We did it! Our stargazing platform project has been fully funded after a year of raising money thanks to all of you who donated, some generous local contractors, our material suppliers, and our grant from Harford County Government! Once closing out the fundraising efforts we immediately began to prepare for construction so that our guests at our annual Black Friday OptOutside Hike and Campfire could get a first look at what is to become our stargazing platform.
We had a great turnout for our annual Open House, Hike and Campfire following REI’s movement to #Optoutside on Black Friday. We do this to show that on a day where so many are crowding into stores to shop, we can enjoy the tranquility of nature together! We gathered at the site of our wildlife center (not yet open to the public) just before sunset to hike a loop around the property, showed off our recent renovations, discussed the future plans for the wildlife center, gave a lesson on native wildlife, and had the first public look at our under construction stargazing platform.
We then settled in around the campfire to warm up, enjoy some hot cocoa, cider, and smores while listening to great horned owls and coyotes under the beautiful array of stars above.
Despite some rocky terrain, construction has continued thanks to the hard work and dedication of some local contractors and our volunteers.
The platform is taking shape and we will continue to put forth effort until it is done and ready for our nighttime stargazing event, hopefully sometime in December! We are excited beyond words to start using this and sharing this incredible space at the Wildlife Center with all of you!
