Want to help us reach for the stars? Our Starry Skies project is seeking funds to establish a stargazing park within the Deep Hollow-Dark Skies Preserve near Athens.
Kicking off Feb. 14, the Starry Skies project is featured on the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s Cause Connector giving site. This charitable matchmaking site helps people support local nonprofit projects in Appalachian Ohio, and lets donors easily search for projects serving their communities.
Those who would like to support this effort can visit https://causeconnector.org/project/starry-skies-a-stargazing-park/
The stargazing park will include a parking area and viewing sites high on a rural ridge-top with very little light pollution. This will make a marvelous spot for community members to look skyward, search for constellations, watch a meteor shower, or just ponder the wonders of the vast universe. It’s well known that spending time in nature is good for us – physically and mentally – and researchers say exposure to the night sky can lower stress, increase positive moods, and lead to experiences of awe.
Deep Hollow-Dark Skies Preserve is comprised of 110.6 acres in Athens County’s Carthage Township, about 13 miles east-southeast of Athens. The preserve reaches from a clear stream at the bottom of a gorge, to a high ridge-top that provides wonderful night-time celestial viewing.
George Eberts, Ohio University astronomy professor, says, “A lot of people ask me where’s a good place to stargaze around here? This project will create a place close by, where you can drive up, get out and set up your lawn chairs or telescope, and have a good place to view the dark, night sky.”
Athens Conservancy is one of the organizations selected to have a project featured on the Cause Connector site. Projects have until April 8 to receive funding and make their projects possible. Gifts of all sizes are welcome at https://causeconnector.org/project/starry-skies-a-stargazing-park/
This effort builds on the generous donations we received during Giving Tuesday! We hope to raise enough this spring through Cause Connector to begin work on the stargazing park later this year.