By Payton Tholstrup
Picture from October 15, 2005
Monster Myths by Moonlight has been a tradition for Milford Nature Center and Milford State Park since 1992. It has also become a tradition for many families each Halloween. This year’s event will be Saturday, October 12th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Many fun activities are planned for the evening, and those in attendance will get to hear about nature’s longest-standing myths from presenters dressed up in costumes.
Pat Silovsky, Milford Nature Center Director, said the point of the event is to get people outside in nature at night and to learn the truth about animals that often get a bad rap. “No animal is intrinsically bad – animals have a job or niche in the environment, and we need animals to do their ‘job’ so that ecosystems stay as balanced as possible,” she said.
Silvosky added that most people have false information in their heads about these animals. Their goal is to dispel those myths during the event. “We want people to coexist with these animals and not go out of their way to do them harm. When people learn the truth, it makes coexistence more likely!”
A hayrack ride from the parking lot will bring visitors to the trail, which is .6 miles long and is gravel and mowed terrain. A new addition to the event this year is a trunk or treat. After the trail walk, the hayrack ride will take visitors to the trunk or treat area, then pick them back up and take them to the parking lot.
Refreshments will be served as well.
The nature center asks that pets be left at home due to the live animals that are part of the event. There is no cost to attend; visitors will just need to pay $5 for a State Park Daily Vehicle Pass or use their Annual Pass to enter the park. Parking and hayride pickup for the event will be located by the South Boat Ramp near the Splash Pad.
“I find the fact that people came as children and now bring their children out to the event rewarding. For some, this has become a Halloween tradition and that makes me smile,” said Silvosky.
