The Oakland Nature Preserve’s Glow Jack-o-lantern Trail

October 29th-30th, 2021

The Glow Trail

Join us for what could be West Orange county’s only nighttime Jack-o-lantern hike.  The Oakland Nature Preserve’s Glow Trail will be lined with Jack-o-lanterns created by members of the community creating an ethereal and beautiful night-time hike.  Proceeds will benefit the Oakland Nature Preserve.

This year’s trail will begin at the south end of the boardwalk and then proceed along the winding Green Trail back to the ONP parking area (approx. .3 miles). Bring your flashlights and lanterns ’cause it’s dark in them their woods.

Want to dress in costume? Go right ahead! We will have candy bags for the kids and some cool critters to see. This is a family-friendly event so please dress and act accordingly.

Calling All Artists and Jack-o-lantern Enthusiasts

We want to display your talent! Bring us your Jack-o-lantern for display. Make them fun, make them scary, the choice is yours! All pumpkins submitted will be available for pick up the day after the event. Any pumpkins left behind will be shared with our program animals for enrichment. Jack-o-lanterns must be carved with light inside for illumination, please use battery-powered lighting, no open flames, we want to keep the habitat safe.

Awards and Age Groups:
Would you like your jack-o-lantern to be part of the community vote? On the night of the event, all ONP visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite jack-o-lanterns. Each age category will be identified for the voting process. Let us know at drop-off if you would like to be part of the contest. 

Ages 10 and under:
All participants in the Painted Pumpkins Patch will receive a fun Pumpkin Glow Certificate and a large ONP  sticker!

Awards for each carved jack-o-lantern group: Fan Favorite – Special meet and greet and art time with your favorite ONP Ambassador animal.2 Honorable Mentions – Meet and greet with your favorite ONP Animal Ambassador

Age groups:
Ages 10-14 
Ages 15-17 
Ages 18+

Please let us know you want to bring a Jack-o-lantern by completing a free registration.

Pumpkin Glow Jack-o-lantern Registration

Admission  
Admission to the ONP Pumpkin Glow is donation based, all proceeds will benefit the Oakland Nature Preserves mission: To promote an understanding of the fragile balance between mankind and the environment by educating visitors about Lake Apopka basin’s ecosystems and cultural history, and by restoring and conserving the lands within the Preserve.