Halloween Hike: Shoo Fly

Looking for some not-so-scary fun for Halloween this year? Want to get out and enjoy nature at night? Then come to the Washington County Conservation Board?s annual Halloween Hike. This event will run from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. at Marr Park on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The theme for this year?s hike is ?Shoo Fly.? You?ll examine the characteristics of flies and then look at how some commonly named ?flies? are not really flies at all, such as dragonflies, fireflies and butterflies. . At the same time, you?ll enjoy a nice luminary and jack o?lantern lighted walk around the mini-lake.

You will begin tour adventure at the Mary Marr Lodge (between the two ponds). At the Lodge, you?ll learn about the characteristics of flies through a quiz maze, sing the Buggie Boogie to remember the parts of an insect, and get a closeup look at some live winter insects. Head down the trail to face your next challenge: the Dragonfly Obstacle Course. After the course, head to the Firefly station to learn about the secret language of light in Firefly Codes. At the last station, you?re challenge will be Butterfly Pollination where you?ll discover the important relationship between this insect and flowers.

Finally, you?ll head down the trail to the Conservation Education Center for refreshments, crafts, and more insect fun in the Insect Exploration Zone.

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 one mile west of Ainsworth and 6 miles east of Washington on Highway 92. The hike will begin at Mary Marr Lodge, between the two ponds and end at the Conservation Center.

Because the trail will only be luminary lighted and moon rise won?t occur till later, participants may wish to bring flashlights to ensure safer footing as they hike.

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.