The annual Halloween Hike at Marr Park will be Saturday, October 15th, but Washington County Conservation Naturalist Pam Holz says you won’t find any ghosts or ghouls at the event. This year’s theme is “Oceans in Iowa,” which Holz admits may sound strange. She explains in Iowa’s geological past, there were times when warm, shallow oceans covered much of the interior of the United States. She compares it to the warm oceans of the Caribbean, but with crazy critters from the past.

Holz says in spite of the name, the event has traditionally never focused on typical Halloween activities, as she believes not everyone is a fan of being scared. Instead, they use it as an opportunity to offer an alternative family-oriented event. Additionally, she believes for some kids and even adults, being out at night can be scary enough. She believes this type of event is a good way to illustrate fun things about nature, and show them even though it’s dark, it’s really not so bad. The Halloween Hike runs from 6:45-8 p.m., starting at Shelter Three in Marr Park, and attendees are encouraged to go through the activities at their own pace. For more information, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Holz beginning Tuesday, or call her at 657-2400.