Among the natural resources people can enjoy at Moraine State Park is the night sky, and just like most other natural resources, park workers want to preserve it as well.

The park is hosting a stargazing workshop event May 13. There, Natalie Simon, an environmental educator, will teach guests not only how to spot certain constellations and stars, but also how to maintain the amount of light necessary to view them.

“The night sky is an important resource, a natural resource,” Simon said. “Mainly we're going to just enjoy it, but the takeaway message is: let's limit night lights so we can enjoy it while we can.”

The nighttime event requires preregistration to attend. Simon said it was a good idea for Moraine because social distancing is built into stargazing.

While the park has in the past hosted star parties with the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, which encouraged people to bring telescopes and other lenses for viewing, Simon said attendees of this event need only their eyes.

“It's really simple for appreciating the bigger constellations,” Simon said. “We'll show them how to use a star map and how to read it, how to use it with a compass.”

The event takes place from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the west end of Moraine. Simon said it will have to be rescheduled if the weather is cloudy or bad.

She said the park likely will host more stargazing workshop events, because the activity is simple, enjoyable and educational.

“We're going to try to do these pretty regularly,” Simon said.

To preregister for the stargazing workshop, call the park office at 724 368-8811.