At the HERS Lab, we believe that meaningful collaborations drive stronger science and more effective solutions. Across our varied research units, we partner with agencies, tribal nations, nonprofits, private landowners, and community and industry organizations to deliver high quality research, analytical support, and applied expertise. Our flexible, collaborative approach ensures that the services we provide align with your objectives and the unique ecological contexts in which you work.
Bat Movement Studies
Our team can assist with development and implementation of telemetry studies to locate roosting sites, monitor foraging patterns, and better understand habitat use.
The Bat Hub also has experience in siting and building Motus towers. We can help with every aspect of your Motus tower project, including bat capture and tagging.
Presence/Absence Surveys
The HERS Lab has vast experience in conducting presence/absence surveys across a wide range of terrestrial vertebrates using an array of established field and analytical methods. Our teams have expertise in passive acoustic monitoring for bats, alongside experience with tools such as camera trapping, live‑capture techniques, visual encounter surveys, point counts, and habitat‑based detection assessments. We design and implement monitoring plans at any scale, selecting methods that best match the focal species, landscape conditions, and project goals.
GIS Support
The HERS Lab offers GIS support that includes spatial analysis, geodatabase design, and professional map production in ArcGIS Pro. We develop clear metadata for spatial datasets and create interactive products such as dynamic web maps, hosted layers, and custom web applications through ArcGIS Online and Experience Builder. Our team also builds mobile data‑collection tools with Field Maps and Survey123, and produces StoryMaps that combine maps, text, and multimedia for effective communication.
Restoration Planning & Project Management
The Plant Hub provides end-to-end project management, offering design, implementation, installation, and long-term monitoring to ensure projects succeed from planning through completion. Our team works closely with partners to clarify goals, evaluate site conditions, and explore restoration strategies that strengthen wildlife connectivity, improve habitat resilience, and promote healthy, productive rangelands.
Habitat & Rangeland Health Assessment
The Lab has a deep appreciation for and understanding of sagebrush ecosystems. We can help consult and guide habitat assessments, conduct field surveys, and deliver reports and recommendations for conservation and restoration.
Data Science
Our team offers analytical support for projects that require advanced data processing and modeling. We have experience with species distribution modeling, trend analysis, population estimates, and other quantitative approaches used in bat research and wildlife management. Whether you need help structuring datasets, developing custom workflows, or interpreting results, we can provide data-driven insights that strengthen decision-making.
Bat Acoustic Call Analysis
To definitively assess bat presence, thorough and robust call analysis is critical. Our team can take your data from initial organization to manual vetting and reporting. Whether you're interested in presence/absence, activity, or a comprehensive view of a species or guild, we can parse through your files to get you what you need.
Seed Collection & Propagation
Our team is prepared to collect seed and cultivate native plants to support the region’s rising need for site-adapted species.
The Plant Hub specializes in sourcing and growing native plant materials, from foundational sage steppe species to wildlife specific forbs. We amplify small amounts of wild collected seed to serve individual projects, employing creative approaches for difficult to grow species and stretching small quantities for greater impact.
Bat Trainings & Workshops
Our Bat Hub staff can develop and host myriad presentations, workshops, or field courses for the study and handling of bats. We work with partners to meet specific needs for teams who wish to enhance their ability to identify monitor and handle bats safely and effectively. We can provide virtual, classroom, and/or field instruction.
Speaker Offerings
The Northwest Bat Hub provides educational talks and public programs for a wide range of audiences. Our team regularly presents at libraries, schools, community events, and meetings hosted by conservation organizations. We also lead guided bat walks that introduce participants to local species and monitoring tools. Whether the goal is general outreach, scientific enrichment, or supporting curriculum, we tailor presentations to the needs and background of each group.
Interested in working with us?
If you’re interested in working with us or in any of the services above, we’d be happy to talk.
For bat projects, please reach out to Beth Ward to start a conversation.
For habitat restoration or native plant materials, contact Emily Zamarripa.
For all other inquiries, contact Matt Shinderman.