Hartwick Pines State Park will host its annual "Critters in the Moonlight" Halloween Walk, Saturday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m, at the park's picnic area.

"Although this program is especially focused for families with young children, all visitors will enjoy the jack-o-lantern-lit walk through a portion of the old-growth forest to encounter several of Michigan's forest animals," said DNR Park Interpreter Craig Kasmer.

The forest animals will be played by costumed volunteers who will tell participants a little about each animal to dispel some common misconceptions about them. The "critters" will include a bat, skunk, bear, wolf, snake, owl, spider, vulture and others. After the walk, visitors can enjoy a cup of cider and a doughnut at the picnic shelter. Children are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes and will receive a treat bag while supplies last.

There is no charge for this event, but all motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

Hartwick Pines State Park is located on M-93 (Hartwick Pines Road), two miles east of I-75, exit 259. This event is sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of History, Arts and Libraries and the Friends of Hartwick Pines. For more information about this event and other programs at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center and the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum, please call (989) 348-2537 or go online at www.michigan.gov/hartwickpines or www.michigan.gov/loggingmuseum.