posted by Barbara Dixson, photos by Griffin Bray and Shannon Kearney
“Go home and watch cooking shows!” What a surprising assignment for a natural resources class! But it’s one that the Environmental Interpretation students in the NRES 374 senior practicum were given by their instructors, Griffin Bray and Natalie McNeely. The students are in rehearsals now for the Candlelight Hike show on the evening of Friday, October 30. Four teams of Schmeeckle animals will compete–carnivores, birds, small mammals, and aquatic critters–in a live competition, with three judges to ask hard questions.
The transformation from college student to, say, bear or snapping turtle, requires creativity and crafting. All the students are responsible for their own outfits and props.
Rehearsals onstage in the amphitheater are hilarious! Clever lines, or irresistible bloopers?
Instructor Natalie McNeely is having a good time coaching the performers.
Come out on the night before Halloween for the thrilling competition! And while you’re there, walk the torch- and jack-o-lantern-lit trails, see the visiting raptors, stop by the education stations to experience the challenges the Schmeeckle animals are up against to find food, release your own crafting creativity, and nibble some human snacks and s’mores.