CREATURES OF THE NIGHT: Families Get an Up Close and Personal Look at some ‘Creepy Crawlies’ at ANC

BY AMANDA PEVEY

ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS

The annual Creatures of the Night event was held on Saturday October 16, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Alabama Wildlife Federation in Millbrook.

This event was all about creatures found in Alabama that operate at night! It all took place at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook, Alabama. During the event, children and their families encountered owls, spiders, and plenty of reptiles. Children of all ages went on a journey to learn and explore the amazing creatures of the night. The cost of the event was $5 ages four and up.

Activities included a reptile station, creepy crawly insect section, ooey gooey touch table, flashlight spider search and night hike, Delta the alligator and a movie under the stars. Glow sticks were provided at no cost for all the children by the Naturalists of ANC to go on a night hike.

ANC was also selling hotdogs, chips, drinks, and ice cream for $1 starting at 5 p.m.

Matt Vines, who is the Camps and Community Programs Coordinator, did an absolutely fantastic job coordinating this event for the Alabama Nature Center. “We had over 150 guests to attend this annual event here at the Nature Center. It was a good opportunity to showcase the nocturnal animals. I would like to thank the staff and volunteers who came and helped out with the event, because if it was not for them, this would not have happened,” said Vines.

Blake Roper is a part-time Naturalist for the past five years and is also a retired environmental scientist for over 37 years. “I love coming and helping at the annual Creatures of the Night event,” said Roper.

Many children and their families had the opportunity to learn what nocturnal animals are all about. They had hands on demonstrations of different owls, snakes, as well as a baby alligator. Around 6:15 to 7:00 p.m., three groups split up and went on a flashlight spider search and glow stick hike with a Naturalist. They used their flashlights and encountered many spiders throughout the hike as well.  

Once everyone returned from their hike, they had the opportunity to watch a movie outside under the stars.

Children had many opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the nocturnal animals found at the Nature Center. If you weren’t able to make it this year, it will return in October 2022. If you are looking for a place to come and learn more about animals and their habitats, the Alabama Nature Center is the place year-round. If you have any questions about this program or any program that the Alabama Nature Center has to offer, please reach out to Matt Vines. Also, check out there website at: www.alabamawildlife.org or their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/alabamanaturecenter.

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