McCloud Nature Park to host two programs today

Friday, October 11, 2013

NORTH SALEM -- McCloud Nature Park will be hosting two programs on Saturday, Oct. 12, including its fall festival and an astronomy program.

During the fall festival, which runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m., participants can see an old-fashioned apple press in action and sample fresh-pressed cider, compete in a scarecrow-building contest or challenge friends and family to some corn hole competition.

There will also be autumn-themed crafts and a prairie maze.

Saturday, beginning at 6:45 p.m., will also be the final astronomy program of the year.

Expert stargazers from the Indiana Astronomical Society will team up with Hendricks County Parks and Recreation naturalists for a sky seminar, which will provide emphasis on actual observing and helping beginners find their way around the night sky by learning how a telescope works.

Participants will also learn how to recognize constellations, planets, galaxies and nebulae of all kinds that may be seen that evening.

Following the seminar, there will be an outdoor viewing session through a limited number of binoculars and telescopes provided (or you can bring your own).

The outdoor stargazing is dependent upon clear skies, but the introductory sky seminar will take place rain or shine.

McCloud is operated by Hendricks County Parks and Recreation and is located five minutes south of North Salem at 8518 N. Hughes Rd.

Admission is free and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk. The Nature Center hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

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