Nature at Nightfall at Platte River State Park

(Branched Oak Observatory will be facilitating the Astronomy portion of this event).

Have you ever wondered how astronomers read the night sky or how researchers study nocturnal animals? Or maybe you want to know what is like to have incredible night vision like an owl!

Join us on August 8th, 2025 from 6-10:30PM at Platte River State Park to explore how fascinating nature can be from dusk to nightfall. We will have a wide array of activities going on throughout the evening so there is sure to be something for everyone!

Most activities will be located around the nature center/tennis courts/ball field area.

Below is a lineup for the evening:

Nature Center special hours- 6-8:30PM
Crawdad Creek- 6-8:30PM
Live Reptiles & Amphibians- 6-8:30PM

Guided Dusk to Nightfall Hikes- 7:30-8:30PM (Hiking groups will leave at 7:30 and 8)
Fire Making & Smores- 7-9PM
Moth Lighting (with UNL Extension)- 9-10:30PM
Bat Mist Netting (located at the stables)- 9-10:30PM
Astronomy- 9-10:30PM – Michael Sibbernsen will be giving a presentation in the Mallet Lodge at 9PM. Observing afterwards until 10:30. All volunteers will set-up telescope at the Owen Landing boat ramp OR in the green space to the NW of the Spray Park Building (south of Mallet). We will decide that night which.
The Walter Scott Jr. Lodge Restaurants’ Dinner Buffet will be open from 4-8pm

We hope to see you there!

**The event itself is free, however, a park entry fee/permit is required to enter Platte River State Park