Bay City State Recreation Area's Oct. 20 Halloween event takes the scare out of scary creatures

Contact: Valerie Blaschka, 989-667-1894 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

Agency: Natural Resources

Oct. 3, 2012

Bay City State Recreation Area's 18th annual Mother Nature's Halloween Trail, featuring a guided walk along a pumpkin-lighted forest trail and a chance to encounter some of nature's most misunderstood critters, will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Visitors will be enchanted and entertained in a unique way as 26 student actors - from Hemlock and St. Charles high schools - portray bats, snakes, wolves, vultures and other animals that people often fear and dislike. The actors, led by teacher-directors Emily Claytor, Nick Hare and John Ostrander, will dramatize how these creatures earned their frightening reputations, why they have been misunderstood and how their existence actually benefits humans and the environment.

"Mother Nature's Halloween Trail is one of the park's most popular events. It is specially designed for families with elementary-aged children, full of the magic and fun of a pumpkin-lit walk through the autumn woods, entertaining and educational," said Valerie Blaschka, park interpreter at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. "Our goal is to dispel some of the myths and stories that make life difficult for these undervalued wildlife populations."

"Children love the animal actors," Blaschka said. "Visitors always have positive comments about the actors' performance, the creative costumes, and how enjoyable it is to come to a Halloween event that isn't scary."

The event is designed not to frighten, but to educate and entertain children and their families. Halloween treats donated by area merchants and free refreshments will be provided. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

The Bay City State Recreation Area is at 3582 State Park Drive in Bay City. For more information on Mother Nature's Halloween Trail, contact the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center (located within the Bay City State Recreation Area) at 989-667-0717 or learn more about the center online at www.michigan.gov/saginawbayvc.

For a listing of other events taking place at Michigan state parks and recreation areas, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.

There is no cost for this event; however, a Recreation Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.