Volunteer With Gotham Bat Conservancy
Volunteers are at the heart of Gotham Bat Conservancy’s work across New York City. Whether you’re interested in field research, habitat restoration, or hands-on conservation, there are meaningful ways to get involved through our core projects.
Gotham City Project
Bat Monitoring & Urban Research
Support our urban bat research by helping collect acoustic data across NYC parks and green spaces. Volunteers assist with evening surveys using bat detectors and perform routine maintenance on field equipment.
What’s involved
Mandatory training on acoustic monitoring equipment
A minimum of 3 survey nights (7:00–11:00 pm)
One day per month to change batteries, SD cards, and download data.
No prior experience required—just curiosity and reliability
This project is ideal for volunteers interested in wildlife research, bioacoustics, or urban ecology.
Gotham Canopy Project
Urban Forestry & Habitat Assessment
Bats depend on healthy urban forests. Through the Gotham Canopy Project, volunteers help inventory trees and assess potential bat roost habitat within our monitoring areas.
What’s involved
Tree species identification and basic measurements
Data collection for habitat and occupancy analysis
Training provided
This project is especially well-suited for students and volunteers interested in forestry, urban ecology, and environmental science.
Bat Sanctuaries
Habitat Restoration & Stewardship
Our Bat Sanctuary work focuses on improving and restoring habitat for bats across NYC. Volunteers play a key role in planting, site maintenance, and long-term habitat stewardship.
What’s involved
Habitat restoration and planting days
Training with GBC staff and restoration partners
Opportunities to join ongoing sanctuary projects
This is a great fit for volunteers who enjoy hands-on conservation and working outdoors.