About Volant EcoServices

Volant EcoServices, LLC is a woman-owned environmental consulting firm specializing in bat surveys, environmental assessments, biosurveys, and regulatory compliance with particular depth across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, and the broader eastern United States.


We provide scientifically rigorous data collection to support conservation planning, permitting, and environmental stewardship. Our projects range from small, single-site surveys to large-scale bioinventories, ensuring tailored solutions for every client.


We work with a diverse range of partners, including government agencies, private developers, conservation organizations, and industry leaders. Committed to precision, efficiency, and ecological integrity, Volant delivers high-quality environmental consulting services that balance development needs with science-based solutions.

Credentials & Qualifications

  • USFWS Recovery Permits - Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), gray bat (Myotis grisescens)
  • Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) presence/probable absence surveys
  • Combined 40+ years of ecological fieldwork experience across the eastern United States
  • Experience with DOD, FHWA, state DOTs, real estate development, and conservation agency projects
  • Advanced acoustic bat identification training — multiple workshops completed
  • Fieldwork spanning bat surveys, avian monitoring, aquatic invertebrates, freshwater mussels, vegetation surveys, and amphibian monitoring

Volant is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), qualifying us for federal set-aside contracting opportunities. SAM.gov UEI: QEFLSWAML2D1

Mary Gilmore, Co-founder and Principal Ecologist at Volant EcoServices, beside a northern long-eared bat roost tree

Mary Gilmore

Co-founder | Principal Ecologist

Mary is a dedicated ecologist who has been working across the eastern United States since 2008. Her work has focused heavily on bat communities, and she currently holds a USFWS recovery permit for Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, and gray bats.


Mary brings a deep understanding of endangered species ecology to every project. She’s led a wide range of bat survey efforts—from mist-netting and acoustic monitoring to radio telemetry, harp trapping, and cave surveys. Her experience spans both regulatory and research-focused work for clients such as the Department of Defense, Federal Highway Administration, state DOTs, and conservation agencies. Whether she’s working on proposed coal mines, natural gas pipelines, or sensitive conservation lands, Mary’s expertise helps clients navigate complex environmental review processes while protecting vulnerable species and habitats.


Beyond bats, her fieldwork has included vegetation surveys, aquatic insect sampling, freshwater mussel work, avian surveys, and amphibian monitoring. Known for her balance of technical precision and down-to-earth collaboration, Mary is just as comfortable in the field as she is reviewing reports or coordinating with partners. She brings curiosity, care, and a lifelong commitment to conservation into every project she takes on.

Dan Cox, Co-founder and Principal Ecologist at Volant EcoServices, conducting bat radio telemetry from a boat

Dan Cox

Co-founder | Principal Ecologist

Dan has been conducting field research throughout the United States since 2003, with a strong focus on rare species and habitat protection. His career has spanned a variety of roles—from hands-on field biologist to trusted consultant and team leader. Dan has conducted ecological surveys across the U.S., helping clients navigate the complexities of environmental regulations while staying grounded in solid science.


Specializing in bat conservation, regulatory compliance, and large-scale bioinventories, Dan is known for his thoughtful approach and deep field knowledge. He holds a USFWS recovery permit for Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, and gray bats and has completed numerous mist-net and acoustic monitoring projects. Dan has worked with a diverse range of clients, including state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners.


Driven by a genuine love for the natural world, Dan is passionate about finding practical, ecologically sound solutions—and mentoring others who share that passion. Whether in the woods or in the office, he brings curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to doing the work the right way.

Ready to work with an experienced team of federally permitted bat biologists and ecologists? Contact Volant EcoServices to discuss your project needs across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, and the eastern United States.