COUDERSPORT — Several events will be taking place at Cherry Springs State Park May 31-June 1.
Programs include Nature at Night, Around the World in 80 Minutes, Night Sky Tour and a Nightscapes Photography Workshop.
Nature at Night, a free program on fascinating night critters, such as fireflies, bats, black bears, coyotes or others based on animal activity in the park, will be held from 8 to 8:45 p.m. May 31. Registration is not required for Nature or Night programs or to picnic in the park.
The Around the World in 80 Minutes tour is being offered at 9:15 p.m. on May 31 for the first 16 people who preregister and prepay. This small group experience with the North Star Outdoor Guides’ Dark Sky Telescope Tours ensures maximum telescope time and a more individualized program. The fee is $20. For details, visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park.
Free Night Sky Tours will be held from 9:30 to 11 p.m. May 31 and June 1 in the Night Sky Viewing Area. Participants will experience the splendor of the night sky when park staff give a laser-guided tour of the constellations and recount the legends and myths surrounding these mysterious patterns. Afterwards, take an up close look at celestial objects through park telescopes. This is a free program. Preregistration is required.
The first 10 people who preregister will be accepted for the Nightscapes Photography Workshop being given by Curt Weinhold at 9:15 p.m. June 1. Participants will learn how to photograph the starry night sky, including constellations and the Milky Way, and foreground material using their own DSLR camera and lenses. View samples of Weinhold’s work at http://pbase.com/cwphoto. The fee is $60. For details, visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park.
Online preregistration for stargazing programs is required. Visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park. If there is a problem with registering online or for information about these free programs, call 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.
Cherry Springs State Park is located at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, 12 miles from Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44. All stargazing and other programs will be cancelled if it rains or thunders.
Anyone may observe the night sky at Cherry Springs on his or her own without attending a stargazing program. All visitors should arrive before dark. Search for the Clear Sky Chart online for 48-hour forecasts about viewing conditions. Arrive early for a program, bring a picnic supper and use nearby picnic tables and charcoal grills.
