Stephen F. Wessling Observatory
In 2004 the Newaygo Conservation District applied for and received a $100,000 grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation and $30,000 from The Gerber Foundation to construct an astronomical observatory to be built on the Kropscott property. On June 30, 2004 a ground breaking ceremony was held and 65 people attended as the unveiling of the Stephen F. Wessling (SFW) Observatory was presented by the Newaygo Conservation District Board of Directors. Construction began on July 19, 2004 with anticipated completion by September 20, 2004.
Construction was completed in October 2004 with a ribbon cutting ceremony including Earle and Mildred Kropscott in the summer of 2005. In conjunction with the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center, SFW Observatory's goal is to provide local area amateur astronomers the opportunity to observe and study the amazing universe in which we live.
The SFW Observatory has been open to the public during the months of May through October each and every year. During these months two (or more) monthly scheduled events are open to the public and hosted by the Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers (NCDSA). Dates and times can be located on the website: www.sfwobservatory.org Established in 2005, the Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers (NCDSA) provide local area astronomers the opportunity to explore the universe. The NCDSA welcomes members of all ages and interest levels, from the first-time astronomer to the serious observer.
The historic Kropscott Farm and SFW Observatory is located approximately seven miles north of Fremont (Stone Road and then west on Baseline Road). Look for the Centennial Farm Marker as well as the Observatory sign on the north side of the road.
In 2004 the Newaygo Conservation District applied for and received a $100,000 grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation and $30,000 from The Gerber Foundation to construct an astronomical observatory to be built on the Kropscott property. On June 30, 2004 a ground breaking ceremony was held and 65 people attended as the unveiling of the Stephen F. Wessling (SFW) Observatory was presented by the Newaygo Conservation District Board of Directors. Construction began on July 19, 2004 with anticipated completion by September 20, 2004.
Construction was completed in October 2004 with a ribbon cutting ceremony including Earle and Mildred Kropscott in the summer of 2005. In conjunction with the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center, SFW Observatory's goal is to provide local area amateur astronomers the opportunity to observe and study the amazing universe in which we live.
The SFW Observatory has been open to the public during the months of May through October each and every year. During these months two (or more) monthly scheduled events are open to the public and hosted by the Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers (NCDSA). Dates and times can be located on the website: www.sfwobservatory.org Established in 2005, the Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers (NCDSA) provide local area astronomers the opportunity to explore the universe. The NCDSA welcomes members of all ages and interest levels, from the first-time astronomer to the serious observer.
The historic Kropscott Farm and SFW Observatory is located approximately seven miles north of Fremont (Stone Road and then west on Baseline Road). Look for the Centennial Farm Marker as well as the Observatory sign on the north side of the road.
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