State parks arise and shine for eclipse viewers
Mar. 6—WATERTOWN — State parks across New York will host events relating to the April 8 total eclipse days before the event and during it, ranging from solar eclipse history talks to nature hikes.
—In Jefferson County, a "Totality on the River" event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 8 at Wellesley Island State Park and its Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, 44927 Cross Island Road. The park will host food trucks, amateur astronomers, a solar telescope and eclipse activities.
Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair. Eclipse glasses will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Limited parking will be available, with access capped once capacity is reached.
—In Oswego County, Selkirk Shores State Park, 7101 Route 3, Pulaski, on April 8 will host demonstrations and provide handouts from noon to 4 p.m. A local high school astronomy club will be on hand. Eclipse glasses, while supplies last, will be distributed. Roberts Family Food Truck will be an option for lunch and The Sprinkle Spot will provide treats.
—In Oneida County, Fair Haven Beach State Park, 15 miles southwest of Oswego, 14985 State Park Road, will host several events from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on eclipse day. From noon to 2 p.m. in Sabin Hall, professional astronomer and artist Tyler Nordgren will present an eclipse program. Environmental educator Josh Teeter will share details on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the New York state parks system.
From noon to 2 p.m. at Shelter Bay at Fair Haven, Sciencenter staff to explore why eclipses happen, investigate the future of lunar exploration and host hands-on space activities. At 2 p.m., eclipse "First contact" through totality will be hosted by Nordgren. Beginning at 2:30 p.m., there will be totality roving activities.
At 4:30 p.m., end of totality, Shelter Bay resume with a facilitated discussion. The Sciencenter team will offer a combination of written reflection prompts to create a community art observation/reflection project as well as a conversation with Nordgren and Sciencenter about the eclipse experience.
Fair Haven Beach staff will be selling refreshments, snacks, souvenirs, etc. at the beach shelter. Guests should dress overly warm for the weather. Fair Haven Beach State Park can be colder and windier that the surrounding area.
—Eclipse viewers are also invited to the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, 115 John Brown Road, Lake Placid, where events are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to the wide-open fields of the property for viewing the eclipse, the park will also host tours of John Brown's House, activities in the lower barn and an exhibit of Timbuctoo in the upper part of the barn. Eclipse glasses will be provided on a first come first served basis. No registration is required. For questions, contact Brendan Mills at 518-523-3900 or at Brendan.Mills@parks.ny.gov.
State parks are open all year, but programming and amenities vary. The parks aim for a Memorial Day weekend for annual openings. "But that doesn't mean you can't come take walks and hikes, have picnics and play on equipment the rest of the year," State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation spokesman John Craig said in an email. "Things like nature centers may not be open all the time, except for events, or the boat launches. Camping usually opens mid-May and swimming, depending on staffing, right after that."
Craig was asked about unauthorized camping during the eclipse. He noted that State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has been planning for the eclipse event for more than a year.
"At state parks that do not already have plans for visitors, patrons are expected to follow all rules and regulations pertaining to the specific park they are visiting. Random parking or camping is not allowed and you could be ticketed and asked to leave the area," he said.
Craig said park staff will be on hand to monitor and manage access to park facilities. "Just as with our busy summer holidays, when parks reach capacity for day use visitors, access will be restricted until space becomes available."
For a full list of eclipse events at New York state parks, go to wdt.me/stateparkseclipse. Events begin Thursday at Niagara Falls State Park.
