March 28, 2024

Conservation hosts annual Halloween Hike

Jasper County Conservation will host its annual Halloween Hike featuring “Jasper Your Friendly Host and the Circle of Life.”

All are invited to join the JCC for the 15th annual event, featuring fun and educational skits, blacklight tracking, stargazing, hotdogs, popcorn, marshmallow roasting, crafts and more from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Newton Izaak Walton League, 889 Highway F36 W. in Newton.

The event is designed to be an educational, not scary, event featuring skits performed by Newton Community Theatre actors. Hikers will meet various characters along the trail who will talk about the importance of protecting wildlife and listen to some familiar and fun songs.

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. Families with young children are encouraged to come earlier in the evening.

The hikes will end with blacklight tracking and stargazing with the Des Moines Astronomical Society. The Newton IKES will be serving hot dogs and taking kids on wagon rides. A kids’ craft area will be located inside the clubhouse.

The cost will be $3 per person, with children ages 3 and under free.

This event is sponsored by Jasper Conservation Connection, Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Newton Community Theatre and the Des Moines Astronomical Society.