Last Star Gazing of 2012 This Friday

This Friday will be the last time to enjoy star gazing at Little River Park for 2012 (or perhaps the very last time for star gazing if the Mayans are correct!). On December 14th from 6-8pm the folks from Morehead Planetarium will bring out some high-powered telescopes for Little River Under the Stars. The telescopes will be set up for viewing in the play meadow with a guided tour of the night sky by Planetarium staff shortly after dark.

Highlights of this sky watching seesion will be the planet Jupiter and the Geminid meteor shower. Though the meteor shower peaks late on Thursday night, we should still be able to see some "shooting stars" on Friday evening. A new moon will also make night sky viewing conditions good.

Feel free to bring a couple of camp chairs or a blanket, binoculars or your own telescope and a snack. Remember if you bring a flashlight, use a red colored lens to help everyone keep their night vision. Please call the park office at 919-732-5505 after 4pm if the weather looks cloudy.

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This program was made possible through the generous donations of the Trailheads through proceeds from the Little River Trail Runs.

Staff Corner: Mike DiFabio

     In this edition of the staff corner we focus on Park Manager Mike DiFabio.  Mike started with the park in January of 2005 shortly after the park officially opened its doors to the public.  He started as a part-time employee working on the weekends, which fit well in his stay-at-home dad status.  In November of 2005, Mike became the park’s manager and has held the position ever since. 

        When time permits he enjoys hiking the park trails and secretly enjoys walking off trail through the woods.  Mike is also an avid bird watcher.  He is knowledgeable about the habitats, migration patterns and other habits of most if not all of the species of birds that call the park home. 

Mike DiFabio, Little River

Regional Park Manager, at the start

 of the bird trail

He encourages all visitors who come to Little River to enjoy themselves, explore and appreciate their natural surroundings.