We seem to be putting down more roots the longer we remain in Chattanooga – and my volunteer hours are increasing proportionally. Besides volunteering for Wings to Soar, I also volunteer for the Chattanooga Audubon Society (CAS, chattanoogaaudubon.org).
While most of what I do for CAS centers around birding and related education activities, this time of year affords a unique opportunity to do something really special for Halloween.
Every year, CAS runs the Acres of Darkness Halloween Haunt to raise funds for its three local nature preserves and a full calendar of educational activities. What a haunt it is!
Audubon Acres provides the perfect natural set for a haunt. After all, just walking through the woods in the dark is scary enough on its own. Last year, I about came out of my skin crouching in the woods trying not to guess what the small scratchy sounds were I kept hearing behind me. But, I managed to remain hidden long enough to get a few fun shots of people getting the bejesus scared out of them.
This year, I’m part of the planning committee. There is a lot more to pulling together such an event than I realized. For one thing, it turns out it can be a bit tricky to negotiate with ghosts, goblins, zombies, and monsters about when and where they’re supposed to show up. It took a while to reach some of them.
But the Acres of Darkness event isn’t just about getting scared. It’s also a family-friendly event, even for those with timid toddlers. The family area provides pumpkins for decorating, an artist to paint faces, a maze, games, and a roaring bonfire where you can toast marshmallows and make s’mores.
If that’s not exciting enough, the first section of the haunted trail allows folks to test themselves without having to worry about heart failure. If that section is enough, they can opt out via the “Wimp Out” exit that goes back to the family area.
It’s good fun for a great cause. What could be better than that?
Tickets are $20 per person for non-members (members get tickets at half price). Buy one, get one free coupons will be available at the Audubon Acres Visitor Center, Trust Federal Credit Union Branches, in Mint Magazine, and at Halloween Express. For more info, visit acresofdarkness.com. See you there!