Funding
- Lumber Heritage Region: $2255.55
- Total Project Cost: $4511.10
Type of Project
Cameron County began taking steps to repurpose their reclaimed landfill which offers beautiful stargazing opportunities to raise awareness and appreciation for “dark skies” and the ongoing efforts of those around the world looking to conserve them for generations to come. The Cameron County Recreation Center understands the importance of providing quality recreation and educational opportunities to help promote this effort.
It was decided that to engage community members and visitors alike, to provide programming and quality education and outreach materials and equipment. The purpose of this project was not only to equip the Recreation Center and their partners to be able to increase engaging stargazing experiences, but also to create ongoing opportunities to be advocates for dark sky conservation efforts and their importance to both humans and wildlife.
Project Details
As part of the Cameron County Project, a Community Heart & Soul initiative led by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, Cameron County residents identified nature and dark sky preservation as shared values in their community action plan. In response, local leaders took steps to develop accessible stargazing opportunities and promote dark sky conservation.
Cameron County is home to multiple prime stargazing locations, including a reclaimed landfill site just 15 minutes from Emporium. Recognizing the potential of this location, county leaders and the Recreation Department worked to transform it into a natural space for stargazing and low-impact recreation. To enhance the experience, the Cameron County Outdoor Youth Association joined the effort, offering educational programming focused on astronomy and light pollution awareness.
To provide engaging and interactive programs, organizers secured essential stargazing equipment, including:
🔭 Quality stargazing binoculars & a portable telescope
🌌 Constellation guides & laser pointers for interactive learning
💫 Accessories for improved viewing experiences
A mini grant, along with a donation from Seneca Resources, helped cover the cost of these materials, ensuring residents and visitors could participate in high-quality programs. The initiative saw strong community engagement, with at least 20 attendees per session and over 30 participants at the July 2023 event.
The successful launch of Cameron County’s dark sky programming has sparked momentum for long-term conservation and education efforts. Additional funding has been secured to develop a sustainable plan for the reclaimed site, ensuring it remains a premier stargazing destination for years to come.
Because of the portable nature of the equipment, future stargazing programs can be held throughout Cameron County, expanding opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the night sky while learning about dark sky conservation. Community feedback remains encouraged and welcomed as efforts continue to grow.
All Photo Credit goes to Eventide Light Photography
https://www.instagram.com/eventide_light/
https://www.facebook.com/EventideLight/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQWa4b6zc-M3lhv2dYUokqQ
