Monday, April 13, 3:30-4:30 pm, Visitor Center, Blue Star Highway, Douglas

Amateur photographer Dave McCaskill will introduce you to the world of night sky photography. Discover how cameras can reveal details often missed by the human eye. Learn how editing techniques can bring photos to life. The program also covers how to prepare for a night photo session and provides information about useful apps. Additionally, it offers tips for capturing the Moon, the Milky Way, star trails, and time-lapse videos. Whether you’re a beginner or just curious, this program will encourage you to step outside and try night photography for yourself.

Monday, April 13, 6:30-8:30 pm, Visitor Center, Blue Star Highway, Douglas

Learn about the effects of artificial light at night—and what we can do about it. Drop in anytime to explore exhibits. Talk with local experts about astronomy and night photography. Learn about nighttime plants and animals. Understand community lighting ordinances and discover ways to improve your outdoor lighting. Representatives from several organizations will be available. They include DarkSky Michigan, Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association, Outdoor Discovery Center, and Haveman Electric. This free community event includes light refreshments. Stop by, learn something new, and help us restore the night sky.

Wednesday, April 15, 8:30-11:00 pm at the Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory

Galaxies are colliding in the night sky! Experience cosmic wonders through the observatory’s 16-inch telescope. See Jupiter and its moons, bright young stars in the Great Orion Nebula, and a stunning cluster of over 100,000 stars in our galaxy. See what will remain visible only if we protect our dark night skies. Offered by Karl Rijkse, president of Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association, and Saugatuck resident Barry Schoenfelner.

Foul-weather backup – public viewing on Friday, April 17

Thursday, April 16, 9:00-10:30 pm at the Outdoor Discovery Center, Fillmore Township

Radar Hill Hiking Club and the ODC Network Conservation Services Team invite you to explore nature after dark in a hike inspired by Leigh Ann Henion’s book, Night Magic. Experience the night’s unique sights and sounds. Learn how wildlife depends on natural darkness and how artificial light can disrupt those natural processes.

Sunday, April 19 @ 2:00-3:00 pm, Saugatuck-Douglas District Library, Center Street, Douglas

Join us for a discussion of the book Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion. Through stories of adventures around the world—from glowing oceans to forests alive with fireflies—Henion reveals wonders that emerge when darkness falls. We’ll discuss what the book shows us about nature, human perception, and our relationship with the night. The conversation will also highlight why it’s important to protect natural darkness—for wildlife, for science, and for our own sense of awe. Come, whether you’ve read the book or are simply curious about the nighttime world.