Starry Starry Nights in Parks

Mark your calendars and start gazing at the night sky this week, for now is the time to see the annual Perseid meteor shower. This should be a great year to see these “shooting stars” in the dark night sky, so join a ranger at the peak of this celestial event on Wednesday evening to star watch in New River Gorge National River. This is one of several ranger programs in National Park Service sites this week. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for guided walks. Water, snacks, camera, and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this week’s featured ranger programs in area national parks.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015:
Peakin’ Perseid Meteor Shower and Star Watch
8:30 pm – 10:00 pm. Meet at Burnwood Day Use Area in Lansing (directly across Route 19 from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, just north of the New River Gorge Bridge). Celebrate the peak of this annual celestial event, the Perseid Meteor Shower. Possibly see up to 80 meteors per hour, plus explore constellations of the night sky too. Bring your favorite lawn chair or picnic blanket, plus a jacket if it’s a chilly night outdoors.
Friday, August 14, 2015:
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at Thurmond (check at the depot to see where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting). Stop by to meet park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions, who will be in the Thurmond area creating plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) paintings in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints.
Saturday, August 15, 2015:
(* Please note there will be no Brookside Island Bird Walk on August 15. This bird watching program is scheduled for August 29.)
Bluestone Walk
10:00 am – 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk.  Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at Thurmond (check at the depot to see where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting). Stop by to meet park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions, who will be in the Thurmond area creating plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) paintings in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints.
Historic Thurmond Tour
11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.
Sunday, August 16, 2015:
Meet the Artist in the Park
10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at Thurmond (check at the depot to see where the park’s Resident Artist will be painting). Stop by to meet park volunteer “Resident Artist” Cecil Glenn Runions, who will be in the Thurmond area creating plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) paintings in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints
Historic Thurmond Tour
11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.
Ranger’s Choice
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. Come and go as you please for this informal talk with a ranger. Topic will focus on an amazing aspect of recreation, natural history, or cultural heritage of the New River Gorge.
For more information about participating sites visit:
National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/neri, http://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, https://Twitter.com/NewRiverNPS, or stop by any New River Gorge National River visitor center.
About the National Park Service
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.