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Project Haystead: Virginia Bat Conservation Initiative Help Us Protect Virginia’s Bats Beginning this March,

Haystead is launching a 30-acre forest bat habitat restoration project. We are installing bat boxes throughout our woodland to support native and endangered bat species impacted by habitat loss and White-Nose Syndrome. You can help by building, purchasing, or donating a bat box. Each donated box will be installed, GPS documented, and monitored throughout the season.

Ways to Participate:

• Build a bat box and donate it to the project.

• Purchase and sponsor a professionally built bat box.

• Contribute funds toward materials and monitoring equipment.

• Share the initiative to expand community involvement.

For more information on this and other projects, check out our projects page.

Build a Bat Box – Haystead Conservation Guide

Recommended Materials:

• Exterior-grade untreated wood (¾ inch thickness recommended)

• Galvanized screws (1½ – 2 inches)

• Exterior wood glue

• Non-toxic exterior paint or stain (dark colors preferred)

• Minimum height: 24 inches

• Chamber width: 14–16 inches

• Internal roosting grooves or mesh for grip

• Ventilation slots near top

• Landing pad extending below entrance

🐝 Introducing the Haystead HAYBEES Project

The Haystead HAYBEES Project is our newest pollinator initiative dedicated to supporting honey bee populations while improving the health and productivity of the entire Haystead ecosystem.

Launching this summer, the project will establish managed bee hives throughout our wildflower-filled mini-valley, creating a safe, natural habitat designed to support pollination for the biodome greenhouse and surrounding Haystead plants. With clean water sources, expanding native flowers, and science-based stewardship, the HAYBEES Project blends conservation with regenerative agriculture.

Our mission is simple: help restore pollinator populations, strengthen local biodiversity, and support sustainable food systems — because we truly need bees.

For more information, see our Projects page.