🌲 In the Heart of the Forest: Steve Conard – A Steward of the Night Sky

By Holly F. Komonczi, Executive Director, Lumber Heritage Region

🌌 In the Heart of the Forest: Steven Conard – A Steward of the Night Sky

When Steven Conard retired from Johns Hopkins University after a distinguished four-decade career supporting NASA’s astrophysics and planetary missions, he could have chosen anywhere to begin his next chapter. He and his wife, Cindy, chose Wellsboro—a place that offered something increasingly rare: darkness. The clean, expansive night sky of the Lumber Heritage Region echoed the view he grew up with in the Catskills, and it immediately felt like home.

Moving from Maryland’s suburbs to this small northern town brought surprises Steve didn’t expect. Though he describes himself as an introverted engineer, he found Wellsboro welcoming in a way that pulled him out into the community. “I have more friends here than in any other place I’ve lived,” he said. “People here genuinely connect.”
The forested hills and quiet ridges deepened his sense of belonging. Their natural darkness—shaped by tree-covered slopes and valleys—protects the star-filled skies that first drew him north.

Steve’s relationship with the region began long before he moved here. For nearly twenty years, he drove north to Cherry Springs State Park, camping under the Milky Way and meeting fellow astronomy enthusiasts. Once he became a resident, stepping into volunteer roles at Cherry Springs, Hills Creek, Mil Cove, and other public spaces felt natural.

His outreach ranges from basic stargazing introductions to more advanced conversations about cosmic structure, light pollution, and the science behind amateur observation. He delights in watching first-time visitors experience a sky unspoiled by glare. “Many have never seen the Milky Way,” he said. “Helping them understand what they’re looking at is incredibly rewarding.”
In his backyard stands the Bobcat Observatory, named for the elusive feline occasionally caught on his trail camera. From this small dome, Steve conducts citizen-science research—recording asteroid occultations, monitoring faint objects, and contributing data used in national and international studies.

His work extends into the region as well. With permission from DCNR, he deploys portable telescopes at state parks to capture measurements that would otherwise be missed.
“Steve conducted some light tests for us in support of our Dark Sky Park Study in Cameron County. These studies are important as Cameron County looks at receiving a Dark Sky Park Designation”. – Holly Komonczi, Executive Director, Lumber Heritage Region

Steve believes strongly in being involved in more than one effort at a time. Some roles, like his work with local astronomy organizations, require leadership. Others—such as his position as a docent at the Wellsboro Glass Historical Association Museum—allow him to contribute without carrying administrative weight. Having several projects at once, he explained, keeps him balanced: when one effort is slow or challenging, another is usually moving forward.

When asked what advice he would give to new volunteers, his guidance is simple: try a variety of things.
“You might think you know exactly where you belong,” he said, “but sometimes the most meaningful opportunities appear when you explore beyond your first idea. Dip your toes into a few places—you’ll discover where you can make the greatest difference.”
If resources allowed, Steve would champion creating a regional observatory—a space dedicated to education, research, and public outreach, where students and visitors could encounter astronomy up close. “A dome where people can look through a large telescope for the first time can be life-changing,” he said. He hopes such a facility could one day anchor scientific curiosity and tourism in equal measure.

When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Steve gives the kind of answer that reveals his character:
“If people years from now can still walk outside and see the Milky Way, that’s enough for me.”

NOTE -To learn more or get involved in dark sky advocacy efforts, check out:
https://pawildsastro.org/
https://www.darkskypa.org/
https://www.darkskypa.org/

🌲 About “In the Heart of the Forest”
In the Heart of the Forest shares stories of individuals whose dedication enriches the heritage, landscapes, and communities of the Lumber Heritage Region. These profiles highlight the people who give their time, passion, and creativity to keep our forested towns vibrant and resilient.
If you know someone whose efforts deserve recognition, we welcome suggestions for future features.