Free, in-person programs are being held this Saturday, Sept. 30 at Cherry Springs State Park and one at Lyman Run State Park This Sunday, Oct. 1.

At Cherry Springs State Park 

Cherry Springs State Park is at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915, 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44.

Registration is encouraged, but not required. If it should become necessary to cancel or modify a program due to weather, etc., all registered participants will be notified by email.

Stargazing programs are in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Park in the gravel lot and follow the walkway next to the restrooms to the seating area. Since seating is limited, bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Leave pets at home.

Check the Clear Sky Chart or Astrospheric for 48-hour forecasts of cloud cover and viewing conditions. 

All visitors should arrive at the park before dark whether they are attending a stargazing program or are observing on their own.

All programs will be cancelled in the event of rain or thunder.

Nature at Night is This Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:30pm to 8pm

Arriving early for a night sky program? Join park staff for a family-friendly Nature at Night presentation about fascinating creatures that enjoy the night as much as people do. Possible topics include: fireflies, owls, bats, black bears and more. Those who have questions or would like to know when a specific topic or animal will be featured during a Nature at Night program can call the park office at 814-435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.

Or, plan a picnic. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are on site next to the Night Sky Public Viewing Area.     

Night Sky Tour: Introduction to the Fall Sky is This Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:30pm to 8:15pm

Experience the wonder of the night sky at Cherry Springs State Park through a laser-guided tour conducted by park staff. Explore the constellations of Ursa Major (Big Bear, containing the Big Dipper), Perseus, and Andromeda. Listen as staff recount the legends and myths surrounding these mysterious patterns in the sky. Learn about park history, current use, and the importance of dark night skies. 

Through Our Telescopes: Moon and Planet Watch is This Saturday, Sept. 30, 8:15pm to 9:30pm 

Under the guidance of park volunteers and staff, embark on an amazing telescope tour of the night sky with the focus on Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon. No pre-registration is required. Telescopes are available on a first-come, first-served basis subject to staff and volunteer availability, weather conditions, and crowd size limitations. Telescopes will not be available in the event of significant cloud-cover. Using the large telescope requires the public to go up and down a sturdy set of steps with a railing. 

To Register

Register at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park for park programs. Questions? Call 1-814-435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.

At Lyman Run State Park 

Lyman Run State Park is at 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, PA 16922, 8.7 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and Lyman Run Road. 

Meet at the dam parking lot. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 1, join a park educator for a Walk in Penn’s Woods, a relaxing fall stroll in search of wildlife and to learn more about the changing seasons.

It is recommended that participants wear a blaze orange vest or hat. Leashed dogs are welcome. Registration is not required, but registered people will receive email updates about the walk, which will be cancelled if it is rainy or stormy. For more information, visitors can call the park at 814-435-5010 or email lymanrunsp@pa.gov.