News Release

Enjoy the Night Sky at the Preserve

News Release Date: September 15, 2017 Strong City, Kansas – Come see the night sky at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Reservations are not necessary.

Schedule:
 

• 7:00-7:30 p.m. – National Park Service program on the introduction to the night sky with two 15-minute repeating presentations using a software program called Stellarium. Program given in the visitor center conference room using a 60-inch screen.
• 7:35-8:00 p.m. – Shuttle people to the overlook area. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to spread out on the ground and a flashlight.
• 8:00-9:45 p.m. - Introduction to the night sky by Emporia State University Planetarium experts, including noted night sky photographer Mark Brown. View the night sky through telescopes provided by the university.
• 9:45-10:00 p.m. – Program ends and buses shuttle visitors back to visitor center.

In the event of clouds or rain, the outside program will be cancelled, but the Stellarium program will continue for its scheduled time. Check the preserve’s website (http://www.nps.gov/tapr) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NPS.TallgrassPrairie) for cancellation.
 
The preserve has over 40 miles of hiking trails for you to explore. All trails are open 24/7 for you to enjoy wildlife viewing and the night sky. All preserve buildings, including the visitor center and historic Spring Hill Ranch house and barn are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If solitude and history are what you are looking for, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve has it all. Come “Find Your Park” at the preserve.
 
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve invites you to discover the meaning of national parks and how your park inspires you – both in personal connections and memorable experiences. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located two miles north of Strong City on Kansas State Highway 177 (the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway) and is a unique public/private partnership between the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy. For additional information on Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, please visit www.nps.gov/tapr, email e-mail us, call the preserve at [phone], or visit the preserve’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NPS.TallgrassPrairie.  To learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Kansas, visit the Conservancy’s website at www.nature.org/Kansas or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TNCKansas .
 
 -NPS-