Experience nature after dark with guided night hike

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), in partnership with Tara Lila LLC, will host a free Outdoor Adventures informative night-time hike on one of Tara Lila’s beautiful forest trails near the city of Eagle River.

The evening will begin with a brief indoor presentation on TFT’s campus, focusing on the importance of preserving true dark spaces and their benefits for both humans and wildlife. Attendees will learn how artificial light can affect natural habitats, disrupt nocturnal wildlife, and even impact human circadian rhythms. After the indoor portion, participants will head to Tara Lila’s Sundstein Road Unit for a 40-60 minute guided hike through the forest navigating occasionally uneven terrain.

A unique aspect of this experience is the request for participants to turn off all light-emitting devices (e.g., smartphones and watches) during the hike to fully immerse in the natural night environment. 

“The night hike is one of the most distinctive programs we offer at TFT,” Bethany Heft, educator and Outdoor Adventures at Tara Lila Coordinator, said in a press release. “Walking through the forest without any artificial light lets you experience the beauty of the nighttime environment in a whole new way. You’ll notice sounds and sights that would go unnoticed otherwise. It’s also surprising how well your eyes adjust to the darkness after a short time.”

During the hike, participants will engage in hands-on activities designed to stimulate all five senses allowing them to better understand the adaptations nocturnal animals have developed to survive in the dark. 

“Our sensory-focused activities highlight how your vision changes in low light, how your hearing and sense of smell sharpen, and how your perception of touch evolves in the dark,” added Heft. “One of my favorite parts of the hike is showing how drastically your ability to see color diminishes under night vision conditions. It’s a truly eye-opening experience that allows participants to connect with nature on a deeper level.”

The guided night hike is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to participants ages 5 and up. The total event will last approximately two hours; the hike itself will take about an hour to complete. Participants are expected to return to the Trees For Tomorrow campus by 7:30 p.m. Restrooms and drinking water will be available at the campus, with a pit toilet located at the Sundstein Road trailhead. Proper outdoor footwear and warm clothing are recommended, as fall evenings can be cool.

Thanks to the generous donation of the Aylward family and the ongoing partnership with Tara Lila LLC, this event is free to the public.

 TFT encourages families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the nocturnal forest to attend. Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned nature lover, this night hike promises a memorable experience where you can connect with nature in a truly special way, the release states

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Interested individuals can register online at www.treesfortomorrow.com/Current-Activities/ or by calling 715-479-6456.