Sat, Aug 17
|Tehkummah
Emergency Forest Shelter (without hurting trees): Rain Capes, Ropes, and Found-Material Lean-to’s
You've taken a hike, and rain clouds came up out of nowhere. Or you've gotten lost, and it's going to take some time to get yourself found. When you need something to keep off the wind and rain, whether for less than an hour, or more than a couple of days, this is how to stay warm and take care.
Time & Location
Aug 17, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Tehkummah, 18777 ON-6, Tehkummah, ON P0P 2C0, Canada
About the Event
Starting from the picnic shelter at the north end of the pond, we’ll walk to various forest locations in the Eco Park from there, so please be prompt!
Our park is 296 acres with 5 different eco zones, and it is covered in walking trails, mostly through forest. Despite the fact that, at a fast walk, I can go from the southwest to the northeast corner in about 20 minutes, people who don’t know our trails can get turned around, and lost.
While we locate and retrieve lost hikers on our site in less than an hour of hearing from them, when you know how to create a shelter for yourself, then no matter which forest you get lost within, you’ll be able to keep yourself warm and dry for as long as necessary.
You can make shelters for yourself with gear you carry, but these are often not very comfortable, not very large, and quite temporary. If you use what’s found on the forest floor, you can help to prevent forest fires, create more habitat for other forest inhabitants, and develop a skill set that can keep you alive in emergencies.
Adult or caregiver of 16+ may be accompanied by three children of 12 or under at no additional charge. Please be aware that this is a scent-free event, and come prepared: https://drive.proton.me/urls/MJDRRY8H8R#ScmsMelqFp41. Non-toxic (essential oil) bug repellant will be available for sale.
This event is a fundraiser to make our public washrooms wheelchair accessible and all-season, and winterize our nature centre.
Important Notes
Orientation to the DarkSky Preserve, Campground & Observation Field
The DarkSky Preserve has a no white light policy after sunset: no campfires; please have red filters for your flashlights, headlamps, and camping lamps; plan to arrive by sunset to drive a car in. The gate will be closed to cars after sunset.
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The DarkSky Preserve or DSP includes an observation field plus campsites, the Stargazing Cabin, and Milky Way Bunkie for overnight guests. As a courtesy please keep voices low and cell phones on silent after sunset
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No white light is allowed in the DSP including no campfires, cell phone screens, or vehicle headlights.
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While we encourage event participants to walk without artificial light as much as possible, as a safety measure please be sure to bring your own flashlights and/or headlamps with AMBER or RED filters sufficient to colour and significantly dim the light shining through (you can attach cloth or cellophane paper with tape).
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Astronomy guides will be at the front and back of the group with amber or red light sources.
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On standard settings, cell phones should not be used as flashlights, or for taking pictures due to the white light of their screens and flashes. Alternatively, you can download an AMBER OR RED LIGHT app for your smartphone.
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No laser pointers of any kind or strength (other than in use by our astronomy staff).
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The DSP gate is closed to vehicles after sunset.
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During all astronomy events, for safety all guests should stay with their guide and the group at all times. If you need to leave the event early for any reason, please be sure to notify one of the astronomy guides before you go.
CANCELLATIONS/MODIFICATIONS
All Event tickets are non-refundable. However, should DarkSky Preserve need to cancel an event, you will receive the option of either an opportunity to come to one of our future events, or a credit voucher in the amount of your purchase to be used at the Park during the same season, both pending availability.
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All event tickets are non-refundable.
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Events are held in all sky and weather conditions except those the Eco Park determines to be hazardous (eg. lightning, high winds).
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Event tickets can be transferred to another date this season (pending availability) only if the Eco Park cancels the event. We will notify you by email in the event of a cancellation in advance.
To request change of date or for cancelations, visit: