Springfield Nature Center event focuses on nocturnal nature

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Humans have long had a fear of animals that come out after the sun goes down, but these animals are an interesting part of our outdoors world.

Learn more about Missouri’s nocturnal creatures during an evening of education and entertainment at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Springfield Conservation Nature Center’s “Halloween Happening: Into the Woods with Red Riding Hood” event on Thursday, Oct. 27 and Friday, Oct. 28. Nighttime outdoor fun, a few hiking surprises and conservation education will all be part of this family-oriented event, which will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each night.

“Being outdoors at night adds excitement to learning about nocturnal creatures,” said Nature Center Manager Linda Chorice. “Night hikes fit well with a Halloween-themed event. However, the hikes are insightful, not frightful.”

At this year’s “Halloween Happening,” people can learn about nocturnal creatures in several ways. Each evening of the event, groups will be led on guided hikes on the Nature Center trails where they will meet costume-clad characters that will provide nature knowledge that’s both educational and entertaining. The last hike is scheduled to leave the Nature Center building at 9 p.m. Children are welcome to wear Halloween costumes that are suitable for walking the trails at night.

While hikes are taking place on the trails, activities oriented around nocturnal wildlife will be going on inside the Nature Center building. Free soda and popcorn will be provided.

There is no registration for this event. Call the Springfield Conservation Nature Center at 417-888-4237 for details. Information is also at mdc.mo.gov/springfield. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located at 4601 S. Nature Center Way.