Geneva Lake Astrophysics and STEAM and Geneva Lake Conservancy announced a new educational program for children this fall: Guided Night-Hikes and Star Gazing. Children will get a chance to learn about the night sky, stars, and planets under the guidance of professional astronomers.
Children and their parents will meet staff at the barn located at the end of the boardwalk at Helen Rohner Children’s Fishing Park, 159 Elkhorn Road, Williams Bay. Children will then hike with GLAS and GLC staff through Helen Rohner Children’s Fishing Park either back to the barn, or ahead to the Kishwauketoe Observatory Deck, where GLAS staff will have set up an observation-area.
If weather permits, children will have the opportunity to observe the night sky through a telescope. Afterwards, they can join GLAS and GLC staff in a fun astronomy-related arts and crafts activity.
“Getting children involved in astronomy and connected with the sky allows them to grow their own sense of purpose, being, and connection in our world,” Dark Skies Coordinator Danielle Eng said. “The relationships we build with our surroundings and environment are crucial to how we think about our responsibilities to the earth. Through these programs, we hope to inspire the next generation of leaders in environmental stewardship, science, and, of course, astronomy.”
The program began on Oct. 7, with dates running through the fall and winter. Each month will have a different theme, such as: Asterisms and Planets, Dark Skies and Light Pollution, Nocturnal Animals, and Meteor Showers. Programs will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Nov. 4, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9.
Visit the conservancy website at genevalakeconservancy.org for more information and future events. Advanced registration is requested by calling 262-275-5700.
