Garvey year-end fundraiser for DarkSky Colorado

Join the Dark Side

The first time I saw the Milky Way, I was holding hands with my mom in our backyard in Wichita, KS. She pointed up to this immense stampede of stars splattered across the sky and said, "Look, Johnny: It's the Milky Way!"

In response, I think I said, "Is it made out of milk?"

The night sky we experienced growing up is not the night sky children experience today. Light pollution—the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial outdoor light—has been robbing us of our view of the stars at a rate of 7- to 10 percent a year. 

Standing in the spot I first saw the Milky Way about 35 years ago, you would see perhaps 10 percent the number of stars I saw then. 

And yet, the fight against light pollution is not just about stargazing. 

Light pollution affects public health, wildlife, astronomy, and our day-to-day quality of life in countless ways. 80 percent of migratory birds travel by night and rely on natural conditions of darkness to navigate. Light pollution decimates firefly populations by disorienting and disrupting ther mating habits. It disrupts our melatonin production, resulting in less restful sleep and greater disease risk. 

We are altering the natural cycle of light and darkness more drastically, and over a shorter period, than any other dimension of the natural environment. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The Dedication and Resourcefulness of DarkSky Colorado

Thanks largely to the dedication of DarkSky International and DarkSky Colorado (which I am Chair of), Colorado has more Certified Dark Sky Places than all but three other states. And in all likelihood, we’ll be number one by 2030.

Light pollution is reversible. 

Every year, DarkSky Colorado helps certify at least 3 - 4 new communities and parks as protected Dark Sky Places. This rigorous program provides immediate economic, environmental, and quality of life benefits. And it means that one day …

… children growing up in Windsor, Pueblo, and Grand Junction might, once again, be able to view the Milky Way from their own backyards.

*** Thanks to the Colorado Gives Foundation, all recurring donations up to $100/month will be matched, doubling your impact. ***

*** This does not apply to one-off donations, so if your situation allows it, please consider a small, recurring contribution. *** 

We are small but mighty, and as little as $5/month will go a long way.

With gratitude,

John Garvey, Chair

Why Dark Skies Matter

Mission

The Colorado chapter of DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark Sky Association) works to protect the night skies for present and future generations. Key activities of DarkSky include education about light pollution, recommendations for outdoor lighting, Dark Sky Fixture Seal of Approval, and the Dark Sky Places program. DarkSky teaches about light pollution in 51 countries on six continents. DarkSky's recommended best practices for outdoor lighting have become a standard worldwide. 

Background Statement

DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark Sky Association) was founded in 1988 to advocate for limiting light pollution. DarkSky International teaches about light pollution in 51 countries on six continents. The Dark Sky Places program recognizes night-sky conservation efforts throughout the world.