Come to Marr Park?s Halloween Hike: Oceans in Iowa

The Washington County Conservation Board is continuing its tradition of offering an interactive, entertaining but educational hike as an alternative to traditional Halloween events. This year, dive deep into Iowa?s ancient past when warm, shallow seas covered the Midwest, during this program on ?Oceans in Iowa.? This public program is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Marr Park. Participants may arrive anytime between 6:45 and 8 p.m. to travel the trail.

During ?Oceans in Iowa,? you?ll learn about the different times in Iowa geological history when the state was under water. Beginning at Shelter 3, you?ll sign in and discover the vastness of geological time and compare the sizes of different water creatures. In addition, prepare for the Hike by practicing your swimming skills.

Walk down the luminary and jack- o-lantern lit trail to the Paleontology Dig. Learn about the creation of fossils and participate in a dig yourself. Next stop is Filter Feeding Frenzy. Discover some of the earliest animals on earth and their passive eating style. Try to find your way through the maze of filter feeders without being eaten yourself. The last outdoor stop on the Hike is Devonian Dangers, which covers the same time period as the Devonian Gorge at the Coralville Reservoir. Pretend to be sharks and placoderms in an attempt to catch some juicy but very active ?fish.?

The Hike ends at the Conservation Center where refreshments, crafts, and more fun await.

The Trail can be entered anytime between 6:45 and 8 p.m. Activities in the Center will run through 8:30. This annual Halloween Hike is fun and educational for the whole family. All ages are welcome to attend.

Marr Park is located 1 mile west of Ainsworth and 6 miles east of Washington on Highway 92. The Hike will begin at Shelter 3, near the baseball diamond in the northwest corner of the park.

With one day to go till the full moon, it is anticipated the trail will be relatively well lit by moon and the luminaries.

In case of rain, indoor activities will still be held, including some modified versions of the outside challenges.

For more information, contact the Conservation Board at 319/657-2400 or e-mail wccbnaturalist@iowatelecom.net.