Support the Smokies with an Evening Under the Stars

Experience mountain night skies a mile high and support environmental education in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a special stargazing event on Friday, May 26 at 7:00 PM at Purchase Knob. The Astronomy Club of Asheville will be onsite to provide interpretation and information. Bring your blanket or folding chair for an evening of telescopes, wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and live music in the Smokies.

This special fundraiser will support the Kathyrn McNeil Endowment for a full-time, year round Parks as Classrooms Resource Education Ranger at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center. Every year, the center hosts thousands of local schoolchildren for science education programs that address everything from water quality to wildlife to air quality. The facility also offers teacher workshops, provides research and lodging facilities for visiting scientists, and hosts meetings of environmental leaders from throughout the region.

"The Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center is a wonderful gift given to Great Smoky Mountains National Park by the McNeil/Gilmore family. We host stargazing events two times per year with the help of the Astronomy Club of Asheville. I feel it is one of the best spots locally for stargazing with a clear view of a very dark sky," says Susan Sachs, Education Coordinator at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center.

Cost of this is $50/person. Limited space is available. To purchase tickets visit donate.friendsofthesmokies.org or call (828)-452-0720.