My colleagues at the MNPC are holding two events in the Preserve: a Star Party on September 24, and a fence removal work party on October 8. Details are below.
Star Party September 24, Hole In The Wall Campground
If you’ve never seen the Milky Way from a dark sky, September is a perfect month to see it. The spiral arm of our own galaxy fills the sky overhead all the way to the horizons. With your own eyes, you’ll see knots of stars, and seemingly dark voids. Telescopes will reveal star clusters, gas clouds, remnants of exploded stars. The astronomers from the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will also point out constellations during a star tour before the observing. Cover your flashlight with brown paper or red tape when near the telescopes, or better yet, leave your flashlight in your tent and let your eyes adapt to the darkness. That’s what the astronomers will be doing.
- Free camping all weekend at the group campground!
- Free night sky program with highly skilled astronomers!
- High-powered Telescopes on site for public use!
- Snacks and adult beverages provided!
- Bring a friend and experience the Preserve’s dark and starry night skies by night, wildlife and wildflower blooms by day!
- Learn about the Preserve and the Conservancy!
Where: Mojave National Preserve’s Black Canyon Group Campsite
When: Saturday, September 24, 2011 beginning at 6:00pm
What to Bring: Camping gear, layered clothing, food to share. Dinner is potluck—bring your favorite dish to share with the group. Everyone is responsible for their own breakfast.
RSVP with David Lamfrom at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (760) 219-4916
MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE – Work Party Saturday, October 8
Join with members of the Mojave National Preserve Conservancy and the National Park Service to remove another section of abandoned, barbed-wire fence from the Mojave National Preserve. We will meet in the Kelso Depot parking lot at 9 a.m. and work through the afternoon. A Sunday morning project is possible with sufficient interest. Bring leather work gloves, water, sun screen, a hat, and lunch. Layers of clothing are best as temperatures can be unpredictable. Tools will be provided. The group campground at Hole-In-The-Wall (with water and vault toilets) is reserved for Friday and Saturday nights. Sturdy tents with strong stakes are advisable in case of high winds. Directions are available at http://www.nps.gov/moja/index.htm. Contact Sid Silliman at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) regarding safety precautions for the weekend and to RSVP.
