Jessa Young Music for Dark Sky Colorado!

Jessa Young Music: Performing Artist, Composer & Music Educator/Aesthetic Education (Arts & Sciences) Specialist, Dark Sky Advocate for Dark Sky International 

I’m collaborating with Dark Sky Colorado on a series of Arts & Sciences workshops that educate and foster Dark Sky awareness & advocacy among our Colorado youth! 50% of the funds I’m raising for Dark Sky Colorado will go towards these workshops, which will be held in public & private schools and in public libraries throughout Colorado beginning in January 2026. These workshops  utilize the arts and sciences to help our youth go deeper into awareness of & appreciation for our night skies.

I’ve been passionate about the night sky ever since I was a child. Back then, I could lay out in my yard and see the whole Milky Way. I remember the wonder and awe of those nights under the stars. And then later in my college days and beyond, I have discovered the joy of backpacking into wilderness; the stars that are visible at night are one of the primary reasons that I love wilderness immersions so much. 

For many winters, I have lived in the heart of darkness, at the edge ofhuman civiliation along a beautiful wildlife corridor at 8000 feet in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Bear, Cougar, Fox, Badger and Owl were frequent visitors to my yard and among those with whom I share the land. I have never once left a porch light on! And every night, when there isn’t a cloud cover the stars are bright.

For millenia, all species including humans have relied on the natural cycles of dark and light to thrive. Light pollution interferes with the circadian rhythms of all species, and it is one of the easiest environmental problems to correct. 

In a world that is becoming exponentially polluted with artificial light, I am committed to do whatever I can in my lifetime to help inspire & educate our youth; and with them reverse excessive artificial lighting and return to the beautiful night sky that is our birthright. Will you join me by supporting these workshops & Dark Sky Colorado with a donation today?

Thank you for helping us empower our Youth to love and protect our Night Sky!

Jessa Young

jessayoungmusic@icloud.com

Testimonials

"Dark skies in the Rocky Mountains are a Colorado treasure and a key attraction for our tourism industry.  I'm grateful to the International Dark-sky Association Colorado chapter for prioritizing this natural resource and reminding all of us to reduce light pollution for the public's health and well-being, as well as for our state's wildlife and natural environment," said Julie McCluskie, Colorado State Representative for House District 61.

Mission

The Colorado chapter of the International Dark-sky Association (IDA) works to protect the night skies for present and future generations. Key activities of the IDA include education about light pollution, recommendations for outdoor lighting, the IDA Fixture Seal of Approval, and the Dark Sky Places program. The IDA teaches about light pollution in 51 countries on six continents. The IDA's recommended best practices for outdoor lighting have become a standard worldwide. The IDA Fixture Seal of Approval has been awarded to over 1000 lighting fixtures. The IDA has officially recognized 14 Dark Sky Places in Colorado, ensuring ongoing conservation efforts in these special places. The Colorado chapter focuses on local efforts, including the conservation work of Colorado Dark Sky Places and supporting lighting ordinances in local governments throughout the state.

Background Statement

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