Stargazing and Dark Sky Talk - Virginia
March 29, 2025 — 7:00pm-10:00pm ET
Last day to register: March 27, 2025
Join TVOP volunteers Elena and Jeamme for an evening under the stars as we learn from Virginia State Park staff and NASA representatives about the importance of preserving dark skies, light conservation, and the latest in space exploration. We'll wrap up our evening by observing the stars up close using telescopes under the guidance of members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC). Sure to be an out of this world experience you don't want to miss!
All ages welcome. We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves if they can, and an adult to accompany them. This event is intended for the LGBTQ+ community. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Markham, Virginia area (Manahoac and Shawandasse Tula land)
Parking: There is ample parking space in a designated paid parking lot.
Pets: While we love pets, we ask that furry friends stay at home for this adventure. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: March 29, 2025
Cost: Park entrance/parking day pass fee is $10 per vehicle. We encourage you to carpool if possible! $0-$20 sliding scale cost for the event.
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Warm layers, water, snacks, blanket or lawn chair, and a red light if you have one.
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in this event.
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Of course you can always hike for free on your own! What we are offering is not just a wilderness trip, but a chance to create community. On a TVOP trip, you will meet people with shared identities, have meaningful experiences and conversations in community, have someone else plan the logistics of your adventures, and have certified Wilderness First Aiders on hand should you ever need one. All of the money we collect goes towards operating costs for our programs.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
