Looking to view the eclipse? Your local land trust may have the spot for you

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, beginning on Mexico’s Pacific coast, crossing through the heart of the U.S. before passing over southeast Canada. If you’re looking for an outdoor space to view the eclipse, your local land trust may be a great resource. Several land trusts located throughout the pathway of the eclipse will be hosting viewing events — but be alert, not all land trust lands will be open due to traffic or congestion concerns, so check before you go! To find and contact a land trust near you, simply go to Find a Land Trust. And below, you’ll find some examples of land trust viewing events and links to find more information, from Texas to New York to Maine!

Native Prairies Association of Texas (Texas; accredited)

On April 8, 2024, the skies will treat us to a breathtaking display as the moon completely obscures the sun, casting a shadow over our planet and providing a rare glimpse of this awe-inspiring phenomenon. To celebrate this cosmic spectacle, the Native Prairies Association of Texas is organizing a special gathering where members can come together, witness the eclipse, and marvel at the wonders of the universe. The last time Austin was in the path of totality was 1397, and the next time we will be in the path of totality will be 2343!

Connemara Conservancy Foundation (Texas)

View the rare total eclipse on Monday, April 8, from the Connemara Conservancy Foundation's beautiful Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve. Located on the border of Allen and Plano, Texas, this 72-acre nature preserve is being actively restored to native Blackland prairie. Due to limited parking available at the meadow, please walk, bike or rideshare if possible. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this natural wonder surrounded by nature.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust (Indiana; accredited)

Trying to find a good viewing spot for the 2024 solar eclipse? Want to avoid the crowds headed south? Northwest Indiana will still see a 96% cover, near-total solar eclipse — celebrate this celestial phenomenon with Shirley Heinze Land Trust at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve! At 1:30 p.m. CT, we will gather near the pavilion at Meadowbrook and learn about how solar eclipses happen and some of the history and traditions surrounding eclipses. Around 2:02 p.m. CT, the moon will cross visual paths with the sun for a total solar eclipse. This is a viewing party — we encourage you to dress up and wear your sun and moon-themed attire. The eclipse will be noticeable from about 12:50 - 3:20 p.m. CT, so stop by anytime to celebrate and view the eclipse.

Western Reserve Land Conservancy (Ohio; accredited)

The last time a total solar eclipse darkened the skies in Ohio was in 1806 and it won’t happen again in Cleveland until 2444. Join Western Reserve Land Conservancy at our Signature Blue Heron Preserve for an afternoon of fellowship as we watch the Moon pass between the Sun and Earth. We’ll offer guided nature hikes at the preserve, snacks and refreshments, and all attendees will receive a pair of eclipse glasses! We’ll walk on defined trails that will take us to a wetland overlook and along the restored quarry ponds of this 120-acre natural area.

Winnakee Land Trust (New York; accredited)

Winnakee Land Trust will open Burger Hill for a viewing of the global total solar eclipse, which will be about a 94% partial solar eclipse in our area. The park will close at 11 a.m. ET to the public and reopen at 12:30 p.m. for eclipse parking. Winner of Hudson Valley Magazine’s 2021 Award for Best “Small Hike, Big View,” families from all over the region enjoy this lovely hilltop park in Rhinebeck. A popular picnicking, hiking and sledding spot, Burger Hill rises to a 550-foot hilltop that boasts panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside and spectacular views of the Shawangunk Ridge, Catskill and Taconic mountains, Stissing Mountain and the Berkshires.

Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust (New York; accredited)

Come join Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust under the shelter in Houghton Park. We’ll have a craft station to make your own eclipse viewer (bring an empty cereal box), snacks and more! The Houghton Conservation Area, locally known as “the fields” or “the woods” includes approximately 24.56 acres along and near the north bank of the Buffalo River. It consists of a large, wooded area with mature trees, numerous paths and a floodplain forest.

Champlain Area Trails (New York; accredited)

While many eclipse viewing parties are planned for the day of the eclipse, Champlain Area Trails wanted to offer some outdoor activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature before and after this exciting celestial event. It’s an opportunity to get outside, experience nature at this unique time of year, and support our mission of protecting land, making trails, connecting people to nature, and promoting economic vitality in the Champlain Valley. Starting Friday, April 5, a series of events will take place for a week to encourage people to connect with nature. The events are designed to let participants spend time outdoors, explore nature and support Champlain Area Trails’ mission of preserving land and creating trails in the Champlain Valley.

Middlebury Area Land Trust (Connecticut; accredited)

This event is appropriate for families and people of all ages. However, it's highly recommended that you bring your own solar eclipse glasses. Join the Middlebury Area Land Trust for this once-in-a-lifetime experience as we observe a total solar eclipse! The Middlebury Area Land Trust will be hosting a viewing of the solar eclipse at Marbleworks GreenSpace, right next to the waterfall. This event will feature an information table about the eclipse and the opportunity to be part of the Eclipse Soundscape Project, a citizen science endeavor focused on recording changes in the soundscape during the eclipse.

Lyme Land Conservation Trust (Connecticut; accredited)

Join Wendy Hill (open space coordinator, Town of Lyme) and Kristina White (executive director, Lyme Land Trust) for an informational session and walk to experience the solar eclipse in Lyme. Even though we aren’t in the path of the total eclipse, the sun here will be 90% covered. We will start in the Lyme Land Trust barn and then move into the Banningwood Preserve to see the eclipse which peaks at 3:27 pm. Eclipse safety glasses will be provided. We will also each create our own camera obscura to safely observe the eclipse.

Androscoggin Land Trust (Maine; accredited)

Start your afternoon with a guided eclipse hike — walk the French Falls Trails as the moon begins to shadow the sun. Then, watch as the eclipse reaches is maximum at 3:31 p.m. ET, but bring a flashlight because it will get dark! Come and learn about the moon and space — demonstrations and activities will be run by Spruce Mountain High School Envirothon team members. Finally, enjoy the beauty of Androscoggin Land Trust's French Falls Park as darkness turns back to light.

Island Heritage Trust (Maine; accredited)

Join The Town of Stonington and Island Heritage Trust at Settlement Quarry Preserve for a viewing of the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The eclipse begins at 3:30 p.m. ET, so feel free to arrive early to find a spot. Viewing glasses will be provided by the Town of Stonington. Feel free to bring a blanket or chairs for viewing comfort. A car will be available to help transport those who need accessibility support to the top of the quarry.

Loon Echo Land Trust (Maine; accredited)

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be seen from all parts of Maine. The Lake Region is not in the path of totality, but we will experience 98% coverage. The eclipse will begin around 2 p.m. and will last for approximately 2.5 hours. Maine is one of thirteen states where the total solar eclipse will be visible, and Loon Echo Land Trust has several properties you can visit. Peabody-Fitch Woods has a large, plowed parking area and should provide a good vantage point to view the eclipse. Walking to the top of the field via Peggy's Pasture Loop will likely be the best viewing area. Bald Pate Mountain has a large, plowed parking area and good views of the sky from the summit and along the Bob Chase Loop Trail. Pleasant Mountain offers a clear view of the sky from the summit. There are four trailheads, all parking areas are plowed. The sun should be in full view from Pismire Bluff at Raymond Community Forest.