The Maine Chapter of the Wildlife Society honored Annie Kassler, of Camden, with its Award of Recognition March 9 in Bangor.

The award acknowledges Kassler's noteworthy contributions to educating the public about bats and her ability to help audiences make meaningful connections with these often misunderstood creatures.

"I became fascinated with bats years ago, and once I learned a little bit, I wanted to learn everything,” she said, in a news release. “And then I wanted to tell everyone. It turns out that bats are amazing."

Speaking at conservation organizations, libraries, schools, the Maine legislature and many other venues across Maine, Kassler debunks myths and promotes understanding and appreciation of the vast ecological and economic importance of bats and reveals many other surprising facts and benefits of bats. Kassler is a speaker with Bat Conservation International, a valued member of the National White Nose Syndrome Communications Working Group, the Northeast Bat Working Group and the Maine Bat Working Group.

She also manages Project EduBat for the state of Maine, which offers curriculum, activities and resources for teachers to use in their classrooms. And just last month, Kassler successfully completed the program to become a Nationally Certified Interpretive Guide.

TWS is an international organization noted for its excellence in wildlife stewardship and commitment to addressing national and international issues that affect the current and future status of wildlife in North America and throughout the world. The Society annually recognizes professional excellence, outstanding achievement, and highlights contributions to wildlife science, management and education.

Kassler, who is also a broker with Camden Real Estate Company (anniek@camdenre.com), may be contacted for more information about bat education speaking engagements or Project EduBat at annmariekassler@gmail.com.

Read more about Kassler’s efforts: 

Bats! Doing a world of good, but so misunderstood