ONTARIO PARKS TO UNVEIL NEW KIOSK MAY 25 RECOGNIZING TORRANCE BARRENS DARK SKY PRESERVE
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
TORRANCE — By day the Torrance Barrens is a conservation reserve; by night a dark sky preserve.
Friday night it had star gazers looking heavenly at rare northern lights dancing across the sky.
To friends of this unique eco park it’s a beloved treasure A place to commune with nature by taking a quiet hike along one of its three trails (four kilometres long) or to photograph the diverse plant and animal life that make this west Muskoka habitat their home.
Not unlike many rural parks — except it is removed from the blight of light.
The popular Barrens park is renowned among a world of conservationists and astrology lovers who appreciate quiet contemplation grounded in earthy delights half the day and beyond altitudinal vistas the other half.
It draws crowds — notably city dwellers — who enjoy an area of Muskoka unparralled in urban life.
On Saturday May 25, at 1 p.m., the already well-known local landmark is being further recognized and enhanced with a new Ontario Parks kiosk signifying its significance and showing the way.
The kiosk will serve as an educational piece, featuring three distinct panels showcasing the work of internationally-known astro-photographers and First Nations artists who have collaborated in support of the Torrance Barrens, where avid bird watchers watch and listen during daylight.
And after dark stargazers can be seen with binoculars and telescopes — heads tiling back — holding on for a glimpse of the big and small dippers and seeing the milky way beneath awesome natural light.
Just as Friday, when Barrens lovers stood in awe as the colourful blue and green-hued horizon wisped exhibiting its galaxy of untold stories known to people and cultures around the world and particularly in Muskoka.
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