Page 84 - 2023 Sustainability Report

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

A Tree to Call Home mainly eating insects such as moths, beetles and
Endangered Bat Finds Protected Habitat mosquitoes.
at Martin Marietta Sand Plant Since 1967, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the
Indiana bat as endangered. Despite this status and a
When looking out on the grounds of Raccoon River Sand,
multitude of protective measures put in place as a result, the
it may not make sense why so many unhealthy trees have
Indiana bat has seen severe population decline. In the past
been left standing. These trees are old, unattractive and, in
decade alone, the population is believed to have decreased
many cases, dead. But these are exactly the conditions in
by more than half. This startling statistic is why Martin
which some flying mammals, specifically the Indiana bat,
Marietta local team members wanted to ensure they could
thrive.
take meaningful steps to help protect these animals.
The Indiana bat is native to North America, living primarily
Senior Environmental Engineer James Marek says the
in the southern and midwestern United States. The animal
Company has preserved 25 acres of woodlands with
has a particular preference for the trees and pests at the
cottonwoods, shagbark hickory, hackberry and silver maple
aggregates operation in West Des Moines, Iowa. The bat –
since discovering the bats were present on the site. Marek
averaging 1-2 inches in length and weighing 0.16 -0.34
said the team has partnered with multiple groups to
ounces – hibernates year-round in hardwood pine forests,
ensure the process was handled properly.

Indiana Bat

82 2023 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT