WHEN: 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025
DARK SKIES AND PRAIRIE LIFE:
Guided stargazing walk with local naturalists at Tunnelville Cliffs
offered by Mississippi Valley Conservancy
LA FARGE, WI – The public is invited to step into the twilight for an evening of prairie
stargazing at Tunnelville Cliffs nature preserve in Vernon County on Saturday, October 11 th at 7
p.m. This year’s guided walk offers a chance to explore the autumn sky—planets, stars, and
distant galaxies—while also tuning in to the sounds of nighttime life on the prairie. The walk is
part of Mississippi Valley Conservancy’s 2025 Linked to the Land outdoor learning series,
sponsored by Olson Solar Energy with support from WXOW / News 19.
Leading the way will be Susan Cushing and John Heasley. Susan is a Master Naturalist,
experienced Environmental Educator with Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and Secretary of the
Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative. She will lead a discussion about the prairie at Tunnelville
and share updates about preserving the night. John is the founder of Driftless Stargazing and will
guide participants in observing the night sky with tips for how to find things with the naked eye
or a simple pair of binoculars.
Tunnelville Cliffs, a 1,118-acre preserve along the Kickapoo River near La Farge, is one of the
Conservancy’s most diverse properties. It features springs, creeks, over 9,000 feet of river
frontage, cliffs, prairies, sedge meadows, and open grasslands—all part of a protected corridor of
more than 2,200 contiguous acres that provide vital habitat for wildlife.
Participants should bring a sense of wonder and binoculars (a few extras will be on hand if you
don’t have any). Flashlights and cell phones will be turned off for the majority of the event for
better night viewing.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this FREE event by October 3 at
https://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events. Details and directions to the meet-up
location will be provided to all registrants a few days before the event.
With questions, contact Karen Solverson at karen@mississippivalleyconservancy.org or call 608-
784-3606 ext. 8
