On Monday, April 8th the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is throwing a Solar Eclipse Watch Party from 12:30-3 PM at the visitor center.

To celebrate this very special celestial event, the refuge will have tables set up with simple solar eclipse themed arts and crafts, music playing and the back patio will be open so visitors can grab a rocking chair and watch the solar eclipse. The patio overlooks a bay of Kentucky Lake and provides visitors with a wide-open area to view the solar eclipse, free of trees and other visual blockades.

The solar eclipse begins at 12:42 PM, maximum coverage of the sun at 2:01 PM before ending at 3:18 PM. While the visitor center does not fall within the exact path of totality, it is in an area close enough to the path to experience 75% totality.

When viewing a solar eclipse, visitors will need to have protective eye wear such as solar eclipse glasses. If you do not have a pair, no worries! The bookstore will have eclipse glasses for sale on site  for $3.00 per pair or, if you have a shoe box or cereal box handy, bring it with you so your local refuge rangers can show you how to build a solar eclipse viewing box.

Don’t miss this solar phenomenon. Come on out to the visitor center located at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville, Tennessee, 38256 for a free day of fun and celebrate! For more information, please contact the refuge office at 731-642-2091