(page 62) OCTOBER 2015
HEALTH PROFILE BY NATALIE KELLER
THE SPI R ITS OF THE FOR EST
A RE CA L LI NG THIS FA LL A S TH E LE AV ES C H A N G E CO LO R A N D FA LL TO TH E G RO U N D, STATE PA R K S N E A R S I O UX FA LL S A R E O FFE R I N G H A LLOW E E N A N D FA LL-TH E M E D H I K ES BE FO R E JAC K FROST COM ES TO TOW N .
Naturalist Cortney Reedy has been working at Good Earth State Park for two years. Located southeast of Sioux Falls, the park offers mostly fall-themed hikes, but she says, there will be a Halloween-themed hike this year as well. The third annual “Spirits of the Forest” hike will take place on October 9 and 10 around 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy hot cider around a campfire after the hike has concluded. Reedy says it’s a night hike that allows participants to experience the elements of the forest in a different way. The hope is for hikers to become more comfortable with the park, especially in the dark. “We put wind chimes in the trees and we put little medallions in the forest and it’s just to kind of help people see it come alive,” said Reedy. The Halloween-themed hike at the park is called the “Canine Halloween Hike and Costume Contest.” This hike starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. Reedy said it’s a costume contest for dogs with judges awarding prizes to the best-dressed. Attendees are able to dress up if they would like as well. There will be a short hike to show off the dogs’ costumes after the contest. South of Good Earth State Park is Newton Hills State Park. Assistant Park Manager John Dummer of says the park will host its fall-themed “Candlelight Walk” on Saturday, October 3 from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. Candles will be placed along the forest path where participants will come across entertainers and musicians and can also play games.
Dummer explains that the route is about 2.2 miles and normally over 900 people attend. This will be the 16th year Newton Hills State Park has offered the hike. “It’s something truly amazing, especially if you have never walked along a candlelit road out in the woods before – which for most people, it probably has never happened, especially since three percent of land in South Dakota is classified as ‘forested,’” said Dummer. Program naturalist Sandy Richter at the Outdoor Campus says their "Super Hero Halloween Hike" will run from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. The Outdoor Campus is located in south Sioux Falls. According to Richter, costumes are encouraged for this hike. She says they are hoping to see many super heroes running around the Outdoor Campus for the event. While the hike is geared more toward four to 12 year-olds, Richter insists anyone is welcome to come enjoy the event. It will include activities
at this hike. Our goal is to educate.” This will be the 17th year the Outdoor Campus has put on the Halloween Hike, with last year’s turnout reaching 1,300 people, a large increase from their usual 800 to 900 attendees. Richter says the hike is a fun event and even though it’s a Halloween hike, it won’t be scary. “It’s a neat, family-friendly activity. We have a lot of people who come every year, so it’s a tradition in their families.” If you're unable to attend these events, all three state parks are open to the public year-round for hiking and other outdoor and educational activities. “We just feel the best way to showcase nature and science is to be in it,” said Reedy. “Just to be in the classroom of nature.” Other events throughout the state include: “A Haunted Fort” at Fort Sisseton Historic State
to educate the public on nature, as well as discuss the importance of preserving resources. Participants will be able to enjoy s’mores after the hike until 6:30 p.m.
Park near Lake City on October 10 at 1 p.m., “Halloween Hike” at Custer State Park on October 23 at 5:30 p.m., and “Trick or Treat Trails” starting at 4:30 p.m. on October 25 at LaFramboise Island Nature Area in Pierre.
“The purpose is to get people outside, and we are taking advantage of the Halloween holiday,” she said. “We don’t hand out candy
To find out the dates and times of more state park events, visit gfp.sd.gov.