March 28, 2024

A Stargazer Fundraiser

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Creek Conservancy (Conservancy) is opening the gates of its Mountain Meadow Preserve (MMP) for their first-ever Stargazing Fundraiser event. Gather under the starlight on January 24th, at 6:00 pm for hot cocoa as representatives from the San Diego Astronomy Association lead a tour of the galaxy. All funds raised will support the Eichen Education Fund, which supports the Conservancy’s expansive education programs that bring nature to over 10,000 annually.

The first new moon of the year promises a beautiful view of the expansive night sky, as does the ridgetop of MMP, which is an ideal location to avoid light pollution. MMP is owned by the Conservancy and San Diego County Parks and Recreation and is normally closed to the public. However, the Conservancy-owned portion of the Preserve will be open for this event. In the case of an overcast sky, a backup date will be announced. Tickets for this fundraiser cost $100 and are available online at  starparty.eventbrite.com. Children are free when accompanied by an adult with a ticket.

And if you just can’t get enough astronomy, you can join the Conservancy for a free talk titled, “Planetary Atmospheres and Climate Change”, at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center on Thursday, January 23rd, from 6:00-7:00 pm. Join our speaker, Dr. Lisa Will, for a deeper look into the stars, and what they can teach us about the greenhouse effect, climate change in planetary atmospheres, and other natural processes on Earth. Will is the Resident Astronomer for the Fleet Science Center and Professor of Astronomy and Physics at San Diego City College. If you’re interested in participating in this fundraiser or other conservation efforts, please email Nathan Serrato, nathan@escondidocreek.org.