The popular PBS show “Wild Kratts” will serve as the basis for Halloween-themed conservation fun at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC’s) Springfield Conservation Nature Center.

The public is invited to two nights of nature-oriented Halloween sights without the frights at the nature center’s “Halloween Happening” event on Thursday, Oct. 21 and Friday, Oct. 22. Individuals of all ages can participate in this event, which will be 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each evening. Halloween Happening will be held entirely outside. Activities will consist of guided trail hikes which participants can register for, as well as games and crafts.

During the hikes, individuals will take part in “Wild Rats – An Adaptation Adventure.” In the style of PBS’ popular “Wild Kratts” show, this part of the program will consist of guided hikes on the nature center trails where hikers will help solve the Mystery of the Missing Martin. Costumed characters will provide nature-oriented messages at several stops along the trails. People should dress for the weather and children (and adults) are welcome to wear Halloween costumes that are suitable for walking the trails at night. The event will be insightful, but not frightful. Social distancing and masking will be encouraged.

While hikes are taking place on the nature center’s trails, activities will be going on elsewhere outside of the nature center building. Registration is required to take part in the hikes. Here are the links for each evening’s hikes.

• Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179821
• Oct. 21, 6:50 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179822
• Oct. 21, 7:10 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179823
• Oct. 21, 7:50 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179824
• Oct. 21, 8:10 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179825
• Oct. 21, 8:30 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179826
• Oct. 21, 8:50 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179827
• Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179828
• Oct. 22, 6:50 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179829
• Oct. 22, 7:10 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179830
• Oct. 22, 7:50 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179831
• Oct. 22, 8:10 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179834
• Oct. 22, 8:30 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179832
• Oct. 22:8:50 p.m.; https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179833

Call the Springfield Conservation Nature Center at 417-888-4237 for details about this free event.