The Vermilion County Conservation District is preparing for a party during Monday’s solar eclipse. But they are not sure how many people will attend. Environmental Educator Lara Darling says special activities will be going on both inside and outside the Kennekuk County Park Environmental Education Center.
‘’Inside the Education Center during the event we’re going to be having NASA’s live viewing stream going on in the classroom. And then we’re also going to have activities and information in another classroom,’’ says Darling.
And Darling adds they have figured out a way to project a reflected view of the eclipse onto the Education Center. So those who don’t get special eclipse glasses are going to be able to watch a shadow reflection of the eclipse which Darling adds is safe for your eyes.
The Conservation District has 200 pair of solar eclipse glasses that will be given to people on Monday who are planning to view the event at the Kennekuk Environmental Education Center. Doors to that center will open at 10:15 Monday morning.
Darling was originally expecting a small crowd for Monday’s Kennekuk County Park viewing party.
‘’Well, I was thinking it just might be a fun, casual get-together afternoon – but ‘solar eclipse mania’ has taken over East Central Illinois, Southern Illinois and across the United States. It’s becoming a big deal!
Darling adds extra parking areas will be available on Monday near the Environmental Education Center. She says it will be nice to have people out enjoying the park.
Meanwhile many area schools are planning special viewing events Monday, and Danville School District 118 adjusted its dismissal schedule because of the eclipse. All elementary schools in District 118 will dismiss at 1:50 p.m. Monday. South View Upper Elementary and North Ridge Middle Schools will dismiss at 3:05 p.m. Monday. And Danville High School and the Kenneth D. Bailey Academy will dismiss at 2:20 p.m. Monday.
