On Saturday, April 26, the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Rankin, Illinois, will host the International Dark Sky Celebration, an event dedicated to raising awareness about light pollution and promoting the beauty of natural night skies. This special occasion coincides with International Dark Sky Week, a global initiative that highlights the importance of preserving dark skies for future generations.
Event Highlights
The celebration begins at 7:30 PM with the unveiling of the preserve’s new Dark Sky Trail during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The trail features exciting additions such as an observatory, hammock stands, and concrete spaces specifically designed for telescopes.
Following the ceremony, attendees can enjoy a public observing session from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, hosted in collaboration with the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society. Society members will share their telescopes and expertise, offering participants a chance to observe celestial objects while learning about the significance of dark skies and strategies to minimize light pollution.
Practical Information
- Location: Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Dark Sky Trail
- Parking: The main parking lot is located at 2665 County Road 3500N, Rankin, IL 60960. Additional parking is available at Middle Fork River Activity Center, requiring a 15-20 minute walk to the ceremony site. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
- Accessibility: For disability-related modifications or questions about the event, contact Chelsea Prahl at cprahl@ccfpd.org or call 217-586-2612.
