TEHKUMMAH–The season is not over yet, there are new fall programs in place at Gordon’s Park. Starting on Friday, September 13 the Owl Prowl is an orientation into owls and their habitats and the types of species that can be found on Manitoulin Island. Visitors will call for owls, search for signs of them and watch for other signs of wildlife on a guided educational nature hike that starts at 7 pm. The next day, on September 14, is the Park’s Family Astronomy Night at 8 pm. This fascinating night includes an orientation into astronomy, a review of the planets, the Northern Lights and solar systems. Instructions are given out on how to use a planisphere (sky map) to find objects in the night sky. Families will learn how to star hop, view with the naked eye and have the opportunity to try the Bausch and Lomb wide-angle binoculars, as well observe through the park’s eight-inch Dobsonian telescope.
The week after that on September 20 is the Harvest Moon Interpretive Hike that begins at 8 pm. The harvest moon is amazing and is admired for its size and its beautiful warm colour. Follow the story of the moon and its relation to the harvest on this guided interpretive moonlight hike on the trails in Gordon’s Park, as well the chance to observe through the park’s Dobsonian telescope and a laser guided sky tours follows the hike. On Saturday, September 21 the park will be having an old fashioned outdoor pig roast at the park, its nod to the Taste of Manitoulin Festival. On September 28 the park will be hosting another astronomy night which includes an orientation into astronomy, a review of planets, Northern Lights and solar systems, as well as a chance to learn how to star hop and observe the crisp fall skies one last time.
On September 29 bring your camera and learn how to use it for our nature photography and aurora workshop. Take incredible shots of nature during the day and the skies at night. The last event is the Aurora Borealis Weekend on October 11-14, the Thanksgiving weekend. Fall is a beautiful time of the year to watch the Northern Lights and enjoy the fall colours. Join us for an incredible astronomy experience, camping and observing the beautiful night skies of Manitoulin on site in the RASC designated dark sky preserve at Gordon’s Park. The activities included a welcome wine and cheese reception, public observing and laser sky tours, how to take photos of the Northern Lights workshop, barbecue, turkey dinner and pot luck supper and aurora borealis slide show. In order to register for any of these events, please call at 705-859-2470 to reserve your spot.
