Courtesy Photo Individuals are seen at Rockport Recreation Area in Alpena at night under a full sky of stars, looking through a telescope in this undated photo provided by Robyn Porteen, president of DarkSky Michigan. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Rockport Recreational Area is a recognized dark sky preserve.

ALPENA — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed that April 21 through April 28 will be Dark Sky Week in Michigan this year. Though all state-managed trails and some state-managed parks remain closed due to ice storm damage, there are still many ways Northeast Michigan residents can participate and appreciate Michigan night skies.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) states that International Dark Sky Week takes place every spring. This event is hosted by the International Dark-Sky Association to encourage stargazing and to educate about the negative effects of light pollution.

Robyn Porteen, president of DarkSky Michigan, said that Dark Sky Week is an important event for Michigan’s night skies.

“(It) is a vital opportunity for Michigan residents to address light pollution, which dims the stars, disrupts wildlife like migrating birds, and affects human health,” Porteen said. “This global event, led by DarkSky International, encourages Michigan residents to preserve our state’s stunning night skies by turning off unnecessary outdoor lights, visit one of Michigan’s International DarkSky Parks, or Michigan Dark Sky Preserves for stargazing.”

Porteen said that people can also join Dark Sky Week virtual events to hear from speakers around the globe.

“By taking part, Michigan residents help safeguard our celestial legacy for future generations,” Porteen said.

In Whitmer’s proclamation, she states there are nine dedicated dark sky land areas in Michigan. Three of these land areas are internationally recognized, and six are dark sky preserves. Nearby dark sky preserves include Negwegon State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, and Thompson’s Harbor State Park.

However, according to the DNR, Rockport Recreation Area and Thompson’s Harbor State Park remain closed due to unsafe conditions resulting from the ice storm.

Fortunately, Negwegon State Park is currently open to the public and is the prime location for stargazing.

Eric Ostrander, unit supervisor of Negwegon State Park and Harrisville State Park, explained that following the recent ice storm, there was minimal cleanup required to get Negwegon State Park back open to the public.

“There was very little cleanup we needed to do,” Ostrander said.

Overall, Ostrander said that the damage that Negwegon State Park sustained was no more than what a high wind storm would cause. Negwegon State Park is open “per normal,” according to Ostrander.

To access the park, individuals only need to drive back through a seasonal county road, Ostrander said.

As opposed to driving three to four hours to a secluded spot in the Upper Peninsula, Ostrander said that the convenience and proximity of Negwegon State Park make it an appealing spot.

For stargazing, Ostrander said that Negwegon State Park is the perfect place as it gets very dark and does not receive any light pollution from Alpena. Ostrander believes that stargazing attracts people because of the stories, the history, and the myths.

“Some people love the stories of the stars and how people thought they (were) gods,” Ostrander said.

Ostrander also believes that the science and mystery of space entice people towards stargazing and dark sky designated parks.

According to Ostrander, the park began the process of dark sky designation 10 years ago. As part of this designation, Ostrander said that there are some stipulations.

“There cannot be any future development that would disturb the night sky,” Ostrander said.

For Dark Sky Week, Ostrander said that this time of year is perfect for stargazing because people don’t have to wait long for the stars to come out.

“You don’t have to wait till 10, 10:30 till dark,” Ostrander said.

Ostrander explained that Negwegon State Park is a location that people across the state flock to because of its designation and beach access. Ostrander said that some people who come from urban areas are surprised by how many stars there actually are in the night sky.

“People are amazed with the number of stars…It’s hard for them to believe how dark it can be up here,” Ostrander said.

For stargazing adventures at Negwegon State Park, Ostrander explained that people should arrive before it gets dark to get their bearings and to set up.

“Some people bring out big blankets…(they) get settled in and wait for it to get dark,” Ostrander said.

When visiting Negwegon State Park, Ostrander recommends that individuals let friends and family know where they are going since the park is secluded. He also said that it is important to put some kind of red covering, such as a red bandana, to dull the brightness of any flashlights. This way, bright lights do not obstruct anyone else’s stargazing experience.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.