Great Bend Recreation Commission has joined with the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend on K-156, to offer two outdoor experience programs this month.

"Critters of the Night" will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, October 20, following by "Fall Frolic Family Hike" from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22.

Eric Giesing. KWEC educator with Fort Hays State University, will be the presenter for "Critters of the Night." For "night owls" who wonder what kinds of animals are watching them take their nightly stroll around the neighborhood, this program offers an up close experience with live nocturnal creatures, sponsors said. Participants will learn about nocturnal living and how it is an adaptation for survival. This program is for adults, but children over the age of 7 are welcome to attend with an adult. Cost is $3 per person.

Kids 5 years and older are welcome to the fall family hike along the nature trail, when accompanied by an adult. Participants will hunt for signs of fall, collect flowers and leaves, make a flower press and do some other fun activities with presenter Pam Martin, an educator for KWEC and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Cost is $5 per child and free to adults.

Pre-registration is required for these programs at the Great Bend Recreation Commission at 1214 Stone Street, or call 793-3755 ext. 2 or e-mail recreation@gbrc.kscoxmail.com.