10/14/11 jb

HAYS, Kan.-- Making money from trash and stargazing will each be the focus of a program at Fort Hays State University's Kansas Wetlands Education Center, trash on Oct. 25 and stargazing on Oct. 28.

"Creative Up-cycling" will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, and four hours of stargazing will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28.

Both will be at the KWEC, a branch of Fort Hays State University's Sternberg Museum of Natural History, on K-156 northeast of Great Bend.

"The first program we have is targeted at businesses and families using their trash or useless items to make money, which is especially important in these economic hard times," said Eric Giesing, KWEC director of education. "Up-cycling is the process of taking used or recycled materials and creating a new product with a higher value."

Galen Hewson, vocational coordinator at Larned State Hospital, will talk about the many ways of making money from recycling. Hewson has taught the inmates at Larned State Hospital how to make items such as dog beds out of suit cases and multipurpose bags out of used inner tubes.

"At the stargazing workshop, participants will have the opportunity to view Jupiter, a crescent moon, clusters and constellations through telescopes," said Giesing.

From the platform behind the KWEC, participants can look at a clear sky. Dr. Jack Maseberg, assistant professor of physics and FHSU Astronomy Club sponsor, will lead hands-on instruction in using a telescope and identifying stars.

Telescopes will be provided, but the limited number available also limits the number of participants to 30. Participants should bring chairs and warm clothes. Snacks and warm drinks will be provided. In the case of inclement weather, alternative indoor constellation programming will be available.

Contact Giesing at 620-786-7456 or toll free 877-243-9268 or by email ergiesing@fhsu.edu for more information about either event.