The Desert After Dark
The desert comes alive at night. Join us for these special late evening events.
For more information, or to register, email education [at] cdri [dot] org or call 432.364.2499.
Guided Flashlight Discovery Hike
Saturdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011
Fee: $5.00 per person.
Come see the desert in a whole new light. In the evening, temperatures begin to drop and the desert comes alive.
Join Nature Center staff and volunteers on these guided, nocturnal excursions into Modesta Canyon to discover what goes on when the sun goes down. We’ll start promptly at 9:00 p.m. and explore for an hour or two.
The canyon hike is steep and strenuous in places. A walking stick, appropriate hiking shoes, and a flashlight are useful. This is a great family activity, but children must be closely supervised by adults.
WARNING: There is a bee tree at the bottom of the canyon. Sometimes the bees are attracted to the flashlights. If you are allergic to bees, you may not want to participate in this event.
Stargazing
July 16 & 30 (starting around 10:30 p.m.)
Following the Desert After Dark hike, plan on exploring a new frontier: the night sky! David Oesper and the Big Bend Astronomers will help you identify the constellations, star clusters, nebulas, and the planet Saturn with its spectacular rings. The program is $5.oo per person (which includes the Desert After Dark hike, so come for both!).
Dark Skies Documentary and Star Party
Date: Saturday, October 22
Time: 7:30 p.m. to midnight
Cost: $10 per adult, and free for children 12 years old and under
Celebrate our dark skies with a star party and an outdoor screening of The City Dark, a new documentary about light pollution, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center.
This joint program of the nature center and the Big Bend Astronomers kicks off with hot chocolate, popcorn and sunset viewing at the visitors center. The City Dark showing begins at 8 p.m., followed by the star party, which wraps up around midnight.
In The City Dark, filmmaker Ian Cheney asks, “Do we need the stars?” To answer this question, he looks at the threat of killer asteroids in Hawaii, hatching turtles along the Florida coast, and injured birds on Chicago streets. The film unravels the myriad implications of a globe glittering with lights—including increased breast cancer rates from exposure to light at night, and a generation of kids without a glimpse of the universe above. Featuring stunning astrophotography and a cast of eclectic scientists, philosophers, historians and lighting designers, The City Dark is the definitive story of light pollution and the disappearing stars.
This is an outdoor event, so please bring a blanket and flashlight. Metal chairs will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own more comfortable seating.
To register or for more information, please contact the nature center at 432.364.2499 or visit cdri.org.
What Lurks in the Dark of Night?
Date: Friday, October 28, 2011
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 per family
Spooky stories, flickering campfire light, noises in the dark, a make-and-take activity, and a walk into the unknown —how else would you celebrate a hallowed eve? Join Dr. Jennifer Jordan and other volunteers as you and your munchkins experience Halloween with all your senses. (Yes, taste, too!) Wear costumes you can walk in and dress warmly. Open to children up to 10 years old.
