Festival of the Night

Enjoy astronomy, science exhibits, food, fun, and games at our third annual Festival of the Night, where we'll explore our night skies and the hidden life that keeps our planet healthy. Naturalist Laura Hoogstrate from the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center will make a presentation on night pollinators, and will bring a historic collection for people to view. Society member Steve Mariconda, chair of DarkSky New Jersey, will be a presenter, and students from Montclair State and Fairleigh Dickinson universities will help run activities. You'll want to stop by the Native Plant Society of New Jersey's booth to learn how to create a "moon garden" for your yard or terrace. Many species pollinate only at night, and New Jersey has wonderful night-blooming plants Visitors can head over to the Americorps Watershed Ambassador Program area and learn about impacts to our local watershed, or visit the Hackensack Riverkeeper exhibit to learn about their ongoing work on our local river. We'll also be joined by members of the Montclair State University Biology Internship Program. We'll have all this, a telescope, and a campfire in our parking lot, for a warm, wondrous adventure into the night sky. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and younger. Join us!