Blue Ridge Country July/August 2021 - 34

RIGHT: The New River and Fayetteville, West
Virginia go together like peanut butter and jelly.
LOWER RIGHT: Lewisburg, West Virginia's
vibrant downtown is a great visit after a day at
Moncove Lake State Park.
throughout his life. This destination, the
Samuel May House, is a living history
museum. Step into the tragic, brotheragainst-brother
Civil War events at the
Middle Creek National Battlefield. For an
interesting photograph, go to the 1928
rainbow arch West Prestonburg Bridge
over the Big Sandy River.
The Milky Way is visible from Sky Meadows State Park Virginia.
REX ROBICHAUX
DARKNESS, DARKNESS: NIGHT SKY STATE PARKS
T
he Blue Ridge region of Virginia recently added two (or a billion) stars in her crown this
year: Official International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) status for Natural Bridge State Park and
Sky Meadows State Park.
The curator of this honor, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), states " eight out
of 10 people live under a light-polluted night sky, at least $3 billion is wasted on outdoor
lighting each year in the U.S., and virtually every species has been harmed by light pollution. "
(darksky.org)
There are only about 130 designated IDSPs on the planet. Virginia, with a total of four, now
has more than any other state east of the Mississippi. (Staunton River SP and James River SP
were the first two, added in 2015 and 2019, respectively.)
So, let's celebrate our star-filled night skies and go gaze up at the Milky Way!
Natural Bridge State Park. Continuing the success of the " Full Moon Yoga " interpretive
program on the hilltop at Jefferson Point, the park will offer a sky full of events. While normally
closed after dark, you can now join a twilight hike to the see the sun set and the moon
rise; eclipse parties; meteor shower viewings; and educational presentations on the effects of
light (and the lack thereof) on various species.
Sky Meadows State Park. At the northern reaches of the Blue Ridge, this perfectly dark
place has been known to amateur and professional astronomers for decades. Thanks to a recent
partnership with the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (joining and volunteer opportunities
for all), the park should be open year-round for stargazing, planet watching and galaxy
viewing-through telescopes. (novac.com)
A park's official recognition as an IDSP means it " possess[es] an exceptional or distinguished
quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for
its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. " -AM
34 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
CONNIE MANCHESTER
At Jenny Wiley State Park, thanks to
successful reintroduction, we now have
the opportunity to join elk watching tours
in their native habitat. Stop by the nature
center to hear about the park's namesake
and her place in history. Reserve a seat at
the outdoor theater; pack a picnic; boat,
fish and swim at the 1,100-acre Dewey
Lake; and stay at the May Lodge, cottages
or campground.
West Virginia
1. Fayetteville/Hawks Nest State Park
Walk the Historic District of this small
town filled with charm and hospitality,
antiques and crafts, theatre and live music,
art and artists, and award-winning
eateries. Perched on the rim of the New
River Gorge National Park, world-class

http://www.darksky.org http://www.novac.com http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM

Blue Ridge Country July/August 2021

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