MDC’s Powder Valley Nature Center hosts Nocturnal by Nature program Oct. 27

KIRKWOOD, Mo.—What scary things are lurking in the woods at night?  Who’s making those creepy sounds?  Did something just brush up against you?  What better time to discover the answers than the weekend before Halloween?

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is hosting a program that will shed light on the dark of night and replace fears with fascination.  Nocturnal by Nature is a free program for all ages and will take place Friday, Oct. 27 from 7-9 p.m.  

Halloween is a great time to learn the truth behind some of nature’s creepiest creatures.  Participants will join MDC naturalists for a night hike adventure along the Hickory Ridge Trail to listen for owls, and explore nocturnal life like bats, spiders, and moths.

Stations include ultraviolet insect lights and sheets that will attract variety of moths and nighttime insects, and enable visitors to engage in a real, citizen-science moth survey.  Mist nets will be set up to capture bats, and bird feeders may draw a variety of nocturnal creatures in search of a meal.

Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores during the evening.

Guests should dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a flashlight.  Advanced reservations for Nocturnal by Nature are required by going to https://goo.gl/CL1q3k.  For more information, call 314-301-1500. 

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located in Kirkwood at 11715 Cragwold Road, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.