Marr Park conservation board hosts Halloween Hike

AINSWORTH—The Conservation Board hosted the annual Halloween Hike and movie over the weekend.

Walking up to the conservation center at Marr Park, the path was lined by freshly carved jack-o-lanterns lit with flickering battery-operated tea candles.

According to Naturalist Megan Jorgensen, the jack-o-lanterns were carved by conservation staff, and the pumpkins were donated by Sass Family Farms and Dwayne Hammon.

As guests arrived, they were given mini flashlights to help light their hike.

Over 250 hikers traveled from the conservation center, around the lake, through the woods, and back for a fun filled evening filled with information about nocturnal animals.

Five different stops along the way greeted hikers with activities, candy, and rhythmic stories.

“We learned about nocturnal animals,” 7-year-old Piper Adrienne of Keota said.

At the third stop, Naturalist Randy Brase gathered families around a fake campfire to tell them about nocturnal animals.

“In the desert, some animals sleep through the day’s heat,” she read. “At sight they’re hungry and ready to eat.”

Conservation Maintenance Tech Jacob Adrienne invited visitors to toss pretend insects through a sticky spider-web.

Adrienne was thrilled with the beautiful weather.

Inside the conservation center, hikers enjoyed cookies, conservation center activities, and even a visit from Mama the fox snake.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com