Jasper Conservation Connection is inviting the public to a Halloween Hike featuring “Jasper Your Friendly Host and the Sounds of the Night” on Friday at Mariposa Recreation Area, located about seven miles northeast of Newton on Highway T12.
The hike is a fun and educational, not scary, event featuring skits performed by the Newton Boy Scout Troop 354. 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, listen to music by Mike Wignall, go blacklight tracking, decorate animal masks and stargaze with the Des Moines Astronomical Society.
Check in at the picnic shelter located east of the lake. The cost is $3 per person, with children age 3 and younger admitted for free.
For more information, call the Jasper County Conservation Board office at (641) 792-9780 or visit jaspercountyconservation.com.