‘The Sound of Music’ Halloween Nature Hike

Jasper County Conservation is inviting the public to a night hike featuring “The Sound of Music” at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at the Newton Izaak Walton League, located west of Newton on Highway F-36.

This is a fun and educational, not scary, event featuring musical skits performed by Newton Community Theatre (NCT) actors and members of Jasper Conservation Connection. Hikers will meet friendly characters along the trail, learn about nature and the environment and listen to some familiar and fun songs.

This year, performers will sing songs from “The Sound of Music” production held at Newton Community Theatre last June. Listen as the hills come alive with the sounds from nature at six different stops along the trail.

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 animal tracking. The Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League will serve hotdogs and s’mores at the campfire. Popcorn and drinks will also be available. Youth under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. A free-will donation to Jasper County Conservation will be accepted as admission. For more information, call the Jasper County Conservation office at 641-792-9780, go to www.jaspercountyconservation.com or watch Facebook updates @jaspercountyconservation.