An actor portraying a great horned owl is pictured telling children about its life at an Audubon Community Nature Center Enchanted Forest. This year’s Enchanted Forest will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5.

The Audubon Community Nature Center will host its annual Enchanted Forest on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5.

Animals have the ability to speak human language and communicate with visitors during the Enchanted Forest. Those attending will follow a guide through the luminary-lit Enchanted Trail to meet them. After the walk, stop in the backyard to enjoy a campfire and music. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase. There will be crafts, live animals, and exhibits to explore inside the Nature Center.

Enchanted Forest happens rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather. For protection from biting insects like mosquitoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes, and insect repellent are recommended. Halloween costumes are welcome.

Starting at 6 p.m. walks go out every 10 minutes and last about 40 minutes. The last walk starts at 8 p.m. Sunset is approximately 6:45 p.m. Reservations are required for a specific time. No tickets are sold at the door. The fee is $14 for adults, $10.50 for Nature Center members and children ages 3-15, and free for children 2 and under.

Reservations for Enchanted Forest can be made by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or clicking through “Programs and Events” at AudubonCNC.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, visit the native tree arboretum and natural play space, and hike over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free. The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m.