Agaves are iconic plants across Mexico and the US Southwest, including Cabrillo National Monument. The towering stalks of agaves provide abundant nectar that feeds bats and many other pollinators. Come learn about the special relationship between nectarivorous bats and agaves as well as some surprising bat/agave interactions, and hear about how Bat Conservation International is restoring agaves to protect endangered bats.

Dr. Kristen Lear is a bat conservationist, NatGeo Explorer, and AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador whose work experience includes bat research, conservation, and education in the US, Australia, and Mexico. She is currently an Endangered Species Interventions Specialist at Bat Conservation International, where she leads the organization’s Agave Restoration Initiative in the US Southwest and Mexico to protect endangered pollinating bats.