ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will help people connect with nocturnal nature at a free Park after Dark event on Friday.
According to an MDC press release, the event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Mark Youngdahl Urban Conservation Area in St. Joseph.
All ages are welcome. Visitors, especially children, are invited and encouraged to come in costumes in keeping with the Halloween season. A Trunk or Treat with goodies will kick off the event at 6 p.m. at the area’s east parking lot. The event includes the Teal Pumpkin Project that supports research and education about food allergies. The Wellspring Community Church is a sponsor for Trunk or Treat.
Guided night hikes will begin at 6:30 p.m., and groups will head out on the trail every half hour after the hikes start. The last hike leaves at 8:30 p.m. The hikes are on a paved trail friendly to baby strollers and wheelchairs. Children can explore their creativity at a Halloween craft station.
The main entrance to the Mark Youngdahl Urban Conservation Area is on South 36th Street between Faraon/Jules and Messanie streets.
For more information about Park after Dark, call MDC’s Northwest Regional Office in St. Joseph at (816) 271-3100. For more information about the Youngdahl Urban Conservation Area, click here.