Public perceptions of bats have historically been negative, and the potential origins of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic have further cast a negative light onto the Chiropteran order.  Since 2020, our group of volunteers has annually collected ultrasonic acoustic data on bat populations in Southern California under the framework of the North American Bat (NABat) program.  The process of adopting NABat cells, deploying acoustic detectors, and analyzing the data collected, has engaged a diverse group of volunteers and increased awareness among group members.  By initiating and engaging volunteers (professional and not professional) in bat acoustics associated with NABat, we have created ambassadors that promote bat population awareness.

Steve Norton is a Senior Wildlife Biologist with Psomas. He has been performing wildlife surveys throughout California for over 20 years and has focused his energy into bats.  Steve started the "Chirp Interpreters" volunteer group to build community among bat biologists in hopes of increasing data sharing and encouraging more biologists to collect bat population data. 

Luma Fowler is a Senior Biologist and Bat Specialist with 15 years of field experience specializing in ecological restoration, environmental surveys and documents, bat ecology and acoustics, wildlife research and mitigation projects. Luma has experience working with public agencies, non profits, construction companies and partner environmental agencies. As the Restoration Director and Bat Specialist at Endemic Environmental Services, she has contributed in expanding and protecting wildlife and bat habitat in California through habitat restoration. Luma is also a core member of the Chirp Interpreters group.