Merritt Reservoir night programs begin April 29

Nebraska’s best-known destination for stargazing is the location of an upcoming educational series to celebrate the night sky, a combined effort of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and National Park Service.

On Saturday, April 29, a National Park Service ranger will lead “Journey Through the Night Sky” — the first of four dark sky programs planned at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area between now and fall.

At the first event, attendees will use telescopes and learn about importance of dark skies and problems posed by light pollution. The program, which appropriately occurs during Global Astronomy Month, will begin at 8 p.m. at the Snake River Area.

Other programs in the series:

• “Magnificent Moths, Spectacular Starts,” June 24, Cedar Bay Campground, 9 p.m.-midnight. Use lighting to observe nighttime insects.
• “Constellations on the Landscape: Wildlife Need Dark Skies, Too,” Snake River Campground, July 21, 8-8:30 p.m. Learn how dark sky preservation relates to wildlife conservation. In conjunction with annual Nebraska Star Party.
• “Creatures of the Night: Bats,” Snake River Area, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. Learn about the bats of Merritt Reservoir SRA.

In 2022, Merritt Reservoir earned became an International Dark Sky Park, a title presented by the International Dark-Sky Association. Merritt is the first location in Nebraska to make the list, which includes some of America’s most breathtaking national and state parks. Merritt Reservoir is located 26 miles southwest of Valentine.

Contact Amanda Filipi, Game and Parks outdoor education specialist, at amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov for more information about the series of events.