Halloween Dracula Orchid © Creative Commons

Rainforest Explorer Costume Idea © Real Simple

Art Contest © Andreas Kay / flickr modified

With Halloween less than a week away, now is the time to get prepared. Here are four creative suggestions from the Rainforest Trust Team to put the “howl” into Halloween this year.

1. Save Dracula

That’s right – the rare Dracula Orchid is going extinct and needs your help. Named for its frightening resemblance to the world’s most famous vampire, the Dracula orchid is severely threatened by deforestation. Help us create a new reserve to ensure its survival in Ecuador’s imperiled Chocó rainforest.

2. Join Our Costume Contest

Post a photo of your best rainforest-inspired costume on Rainforest Trust’s Facebook page for your chance to win a $25 REI gift certificate. Need inspiration? Check out our Halloween Pinterest board for ideas. All ages welcome.

3. Throw a Rainforest-themed Party

Visit our Pinterest project board for ideas about how to create jungle-themed party favors, decorations and other crafts to infuse your Halloween with a little rainforest flavor.

4. Draw Dracula (Orchid) Contest for Kids

Kids are encouraged to imagine what the ghoulish face of the Dracula Orchid might look like and then grab crayons, paint, or pencils to put their ideas on the medium of their choice. This could be paper, pumpkins or even faces – the sky’s the limit. Young artists will be entered in a drawing to win a $10 Baskin-Robbins gift certificate. Please send all entries to Jesse Lewis, Rainforest Trust’s Education Coordinator, at jesse@rainforesttrust.org.