Ionia night hike

By Thomas Nelson, tnelson@charlescitypress.com

Chickasaw County Conservation will have a night hike at Twin Ponds at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The hike is free to the public, and only requires people register with the conservation office prior to the hike, so they know how many people will attend.

The hike is part of Chickasaw County Conservation’s monthly public programs.

“We generally don’t charge anything for the programs, unless there’s materials that need to be paid for,” said Chickasaw County Conservation Naturalist Matt Crayne.

The program will cover how nocturnal animals use their senses at night, Crayne said.

“We’ll go out and see if we can see any signs of animals,” he said. “Usually that depends on how loud the group is.”

There are 10 people signed up so far for the hike, and the pre-registration will be open Thursday for anyone who wants to join.

The hike is likely to go for an hour to an hour and half, with the group traveling upwards of three miles.

Participants will see how different animals use their senses to adapt to being active at night.

Pre-registration is required by calling 641-394-4714. Make sure to dress for the weather.