Join the Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville for a celebration of Earth Day and International Dark Sky Week. The night will start with a lecture by Craig Frank, Ph.D. of Fordham University on the importance of dark skies for northeastern bat species. Following the lecture, enjoy a reception including refreshments and fun bat and star activities. After dark, Mindy Townsend, Ph.D. of Dudley Observatory at Siena will lead a star party (weather permitting) where participants will use telescopes and other equipment to view the early spring night sky.

Lecture (7-8PM)
The direct and indirect effects of artificial light on insectivorous bats
Craig Frank, Ph.D., long-time researcher at the Huyck Preserve and Associate Professor and Environmental Science Co-Director in the Department of Biological Sciences at Fordham University, returns for a special lecture. Craig's current research focuses on the impacts of and recovery from White-Nose Syndrome in northeastern bat species. Join us to learn about why dark skies are so critical to one of our region's most important nocturnal mammals.
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Registration is required; event limited to 30 people. Suggested donation free for members and $5 per person for non-members