We have permission to use the grassy knoll at Bear Branch (outside observatory, but also the observatory for CERTIFIED, trained members), Thursday and Friday, (Saturday is the monthly public star party following the planetarium show), November 7 & 8, 2024.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL BBNC with questions about this WASI members' event.

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY if you wish to participate:  (please)

1.  If you want to use the property after dusk (closure):  email Jeff Burns (jeff.burns@orano.group) and me (lvhager@comcast.net) to document your intent (we must document usage).
2. When other organizations use the property after dark, BBNC lets us and them know who's on the property doing what - including when PARKING LOT LIGHTS WILL BE ON.  (Please do not request them to turn them off.  The notice will be in the message we send you.).  We have no indication of shared use for this time period.  BBNC coordinates with multiple organizations and communications through points of contact in each for efficiency.  (Jeff Burns & I again)  NOTE:  as BBNC staff is carpooling to an official event, there will be some additional empty, parked cars in the parking lot on Thursday evening.
3. When we are granted permission to use the property after dark, this does NOT include the nature center itself unless there is a public event going on (planetarium show, WASI membership meeting, etc.).  We have no indication of shared use for this time period.
4. If you are on the property after dusk, with permission, you need to have your membership card with you for both club and law enforcement identification.  (This is also in our agreement with BBNC.)
5. When using the property be vigilant to your surroundings - there is wildlife and it's a secluded area.  Have your cell phone handy in case you need to call #77 or 911.  Be careful of what might attract wild animals
6. As always (thankfully this hasn't been an issue that I know of), be sure to take everything with you that you brought.
7. Be mindful of your headlights as you approach as others may be engaged in imaging or may be dark adjusted.
8. If for some reason, there is a crowd coming through (like when we had the aurora), we have the okay from BBNC to put out cones and/or red lights to block the driveway circle, to maintain a dark area and for safety.  NOTE:  there is a small chance of aurora on Thursday evening.