Family-Friendly Forest Scavenger Hunt Returns This October

The crunch of leaves underfoot, a nip in the air, and the first hints of harvest—fall is on its way, and Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is inviting families to celebrate the season outdoors. This October, the district will host its Not So Spooky Forest scavenger hunt at Hazel Willis Woods, giving kids and families the chance to explore nature with a dash of Halloween fun.

“We loved the flexibility of last year’s virtual event, but we’re excited to welcome everyone back to Hazel Willis Woods in person,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director, “ Families will find brand-new sites, features, and a few whimsical fall surprises tucked into the trees.”

Registration is open now at https://notsospookyforest25.eventbrite.com. Tickets are just $5 per child or $10 for a family pack.

Starting October 1, registered participants will receive a printable scavenger hunt card. Families can explore Hazel Willis Woods anytime during the month of October, checking off items as they discover them. Completed cards can be submitted online to hollyswcd@gmail.com or turned in at the SWCD office at 110 Cottage Street in Ashland to claim a goodie bag and a certificate for a free tree seedling redeemable during the district’s spring tree sale.

And while the scavenger hunt is all about family-friendly fun, don’t be surprised if you stumble across a few quirky forest dwellers.

“You might meet Jingles, a skeletal rocking horse, stop by the ‘Screamery’ ice cream parlor playhouse, or even find a spider-themed castle fit for Aragog from Harry Potter,” Houin said.

The Not So Spooky Forest is made possible with the help of SWCD interns and staff, who have been busy all summer designing activities with Natural Resources Assistant Holly Hale.

Hazel Willis Woods—a 40-acre outdoor learning laboratory near Mifflin—has also undergone recent upgrades, including new parking areas, widened access, electricity for events, pollinator and herb gardens, and even a lending library.

“We want families to unplug, explore, and enjoy the magic of the woods in the fall,” Houin said. “And with different versions of the scavenger card, each child in a family can have their own adventure.”

For more information about Hazel Willis Woods or the Not So Spooky Forest, contact Holly Hale at 419-281-7645 or by email at hollyswcd@gmail.com.