1,001 things to do: Halloween Hike

      As a rule of thumb, the feature that appears in this location every Monday morning talks about something I had the opportunity to experience the previous weekend. It has occurred to me, however, that since some things happen but once a year, it would be appropriate to write about them so that those interested would not have to wait 12 months to enjoy them as I would have done. One such outing is the upcoming Halloween Hike.

      The Halloween Hike, also known as the Life and Times of Bizee Butterfly, will run from 7:15 -8:30 p.m. at Marr Park on Saturday, Oct. 14. It is being sponsored by the Washington County Conservation Board and will take place along the trails of Marr Park.

      Although the hike is called the Halloween Hike, it is far from scary. It is, however, being held at night. It is a chance to enjoy the forest in the dark, which will put an entirely different perspective on walking in the woods.

      The theme of Bizee Butterfly gives the participant the chance to pretend to be such an insect, traveling down the west trail at night. There will be several things walker will see through the eyes of a butterfly as the walk progresses. The trail will be lit with luminaries and jack 'o lanterns for those afraid of the dark, or just afraid to stumble.

      The whole idea is to follow a butterfly's life from cocoon to flight. Each stop along the way will be set up to emphasize the steps of maturation, from hatching from the egg all the way to flight.

      The hike will end at the Conservation Education Center's Flower Garden for refreshments and more challenges. Activities include making a butterfly craft, another game, and for the brave, visiting with live snakes (in the library).

      The trail can be entered anytime between 7:15 and 8 p.m. Activities in the center will run through 8:30 p.m. The hike is ideal for people of any age.