Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Announces Special Spring Programs

Contact: Cynthia Dorminey, 830-868-7128

Contact: Douglas Smith, 830-868-7128

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park invites you to welcome in spring with two outdoor programs this March.

Johnson Settlement Walk

Step back in time with a ranger on Saturday, March 7, 14, or 21 at 11:30 am for a free, 45-minute walk through the Johnson Settlement, the 1860s home of President Lyndon Johnson's grandparents. A young Lyndon Johnson often sat at the feet of his grandparents to hear their pioneering tales, and he developed an early love and appreciation for the Texas Hill Country that stayed with him throughout his life.

No reservations are needed to attend the walk. Meet the ranger at 11:30 am on walk dates at the National Park Service visitor center in Johnson City. The trail is a level gravel trail. Please wear comfortable shoes, wear sun protection, and bring water.

Night Skies Over the LBJ Ranch

View the wonders of the night sky at the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall on Saturday, March 21. Beginning at 7:30 pm, the park rangers and Hill Country Astronomers will highlight the marvels of the night sky and the importance of preserving dark skies.

Beginning at 7:30 pm, Junior Rangers of all ages can join park rangers on the ranch's airstrip for activities about the night sky to earn a Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch. There is no maximum age limit to participate. Suggested minimum age is 5 years old, and children must be accompanied by their parents.

Following the Junior Ranger program, Hill Country Astronomers will set up telescopes and offer a stargazing experience from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Visitors can view stars, globular star clusters, and even distant galaxies.

Gates to the LBJ Ranch will open at 7:00 pm. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Restrooms will be available. Flashlights are recommended; lights with a red filter are ideal.

The event is free of charge; however, attendance is limited to 100 participants. To reserve your space, call 830-868-7128 option 2 or email [email protected] with the subject "Night Skies Over the LBJ Ranch"

Entry to the LBJ Ranch is located north of US Highway 290, just off of Ranch Road 1. In case of inclement weather, participants with reservations will be notified of event updates. Updates will also be posted on the park website at www.nps.gov/lyjo and the park Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LBJohnsonNPS. For information on night skies in national parks, visit www.nps.gov/subjects/nightskies.