Star Party: D Ranch After Dark
Have you experienced wild Florida after dark? It’s a dazzling place... if you know what to look for!
More than 200 wild Floridians looked high to the sky at our Star Party at D Ranch Preserve in the company of hooting barred owls, singing crickets, and rustling pine needles.
We were joined by knowledgeable astronomers from Central Florida Astronomical Society and Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College.
We came together to bask in the beauty of the stars, planets, and galaxies above from one of the best spots possible: on permanently protected land, of course!
Upon arriving, visitors had their choice of several telescope stations to take in the night sky from different viewpoints. We saw Jupiter; the moon; the Andromeda galaxy; and the Pleiades, a stunning group of 7 stars in deep space.
The most popular station was the “Tour of the Night Sky” presented by Derek Demeter, Planetarium Director at Seminole State College. Derek is a seasoned astronomer with a passion for exploring the cosmos and sharing his knowledge with those of us here on the ground.
Left: Horsehead Nebula / Right: Rosette Nebula / Photos by Derek Demeter, Planetarium Director at Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State / Taken at D Ranch Preserve
As for the locals at D Ranch Preserve? We exclusively used red lighting to ensure their slumber (or nighttime adventures, for our nocturnal friends) was not disturbed.
Away from busy, dangerous highways and the bright lights of city life, wild Florida truly comes alive after dark.
While we are fortunate to have two officially recognized Dark Sky Places in our state (Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and Big Cypress National Preserve), every piece of wild and working land preserved acts as a safe haven for the wildlife that depend on darkness to survive and thrive.
From crepuscular cats like the Florida panther and bobcat; to nocturnal feathered friends like the common nighthawk and barred owl; to every plant, insect, and critter in between. We all share this home beneath sparkling skies – and every acre we save saves all of us.
At Conservation Florida, we are dedicated not only to protecting our paradise – but welcoming you into it. From star parties like this one, to guided hikes through permanently protected land, to Conservation on Tap events where you can sip and support our mission, we would love for you to get involved!
Interested in sponsoring or supporting an event like this in the future? Please contact us at info@conservationfla.org.
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About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved nearly 45,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy. Learn more at conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.
