Halloween Hike set for Friday

The Jasper Conservation Connection is inviting the public to a Halloween night hike featuring “Jasper Your Friendly Host and the Defenders of the Night” on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Mariposa Recreation Area, located about seven miles northeast of Newton on Highway T12.
The fun and educational, not scary, event featuring skits performed by Newton Boy Scout Troop 354. During the hike, participants will meet animal friends who will be sharing how they defend themselves. Hour-long hikes will begin at 6 p.m. and will depart every 15 minutes. Each time slot can accommodate around 25 hikers. The last hike will begin at 8 p.m.
Parents with young children are encouraged to come earlier in the evening.
Along with the hike, participants will be able to cook marshmallows by the fire, go blacklight tracking, decorate their own pumpkin gourds to take home and stargaze with the Des Moines Astronomical Society. Check in at the picnic shelter located east of the lake. Cost is $3 per person, and children 3 and under are admitted for free.
For more information, call the Jasper County Conservation Board office at (641) 792-9780.