Dark Sky

Dark Sky Advocacy

How You Can Contribute

Astronomy shines brightest under dark skies, and WVAC is dedicated to reducing light pollution throughout our valley. We are a community of both astronomers and dark-sky advocates, united in our mission to preserve nightscapes for science, wildlife, and future generations.

Within WVAC, the Dark Sky Advocates subcommittee works hand in hand with local organizations to collect and share both qualitative and quantitative data on light pollution in our region. Our goal is to inform the Wenatchee Valley community about the environmental impacts of excessive lighting, the benefits for human health and public safety, and the potential energy savings that come from smart outdoor lighting practices.

Whether you join us for stargazing or simply to protect our night skies, you are welcome here. The Dark Skies Group meets separately from our astronomy events so members can focus on advocacy work, even if astronomy itself is not their main passion.

Protecting our dark skies takes a community, but it all begins with you. Start by making simple changes to your own property. From there, we can expand our efforts through outreach to neighbors, local businesses, NGOs, and government agencies. Ready to take the next step in advocacy? Here’s where to begin:

Talking with Neighbors

It takes people to make a town, but it takes neighbors working together to make a community. We all call this place home and with that there are many different values and beliefs. Connecting with your neighbor is a common question we get. A few things to keep in mind:

• Be on good terms with your neighbor

• Lighting should never be the first topic in a conversation

• Understand their lighting needs, why do they need/want the light?

• Let them know how their lights effect you.

• Be prepared with solutions to make both parties happy. (offering to pay for them is even better)

• In person conversations are best. (May not be possible with STRs)

If the house is an STR and the owner is not living in the home, a letter may be required. You can find a letter template on DarkSky.org or here.

Working with Businesses

Astrotourism shows us that protecting our night skies doesn’t have to be just a moral choice, it can also boost local economies and foster a deeper connection to nature. By inviting travelers to experience true darkness, communities create new revenue streams and inspire lifelong stewards of the environment. 

Communities across the US are tapping into astrotourism by offering:

• Lodging Experiences. Cabin getaways and boutique hotels featuring stargazing decks, on-site astronomy talks, or by promoting their dark skies as an amenity to the lodging.

• Retail Merchandise. Locally designed clothing, mugs, stickers, and art prints showcasing constellations and celestial events.

• Dining Under the Stars. Restaurants and cafes hosting full-moon dinners, night-sky based menu items, and cocktail hours illuminated by lanterns.

Each of these offerings turns a simple night out into an immersive, revenue generating adventure. By promoting dark-sky experiences, businesses don’t just sell products, they:

• encourage visitors to look up and marvel at the cosmos

• cultivate curiosity about astronomy and conservation

• create personal memories tied to a place and its nightscape

This emotional bond makes travelers more likely to support local conservation efforts and return for future celestial events.

Ready to bring astrotourism to your community? Start by:

• Partnering with astronomy clubs and local parks to host star-watching events.

• Designing themed merchandise that celebrates your unique night sky.

• Training staff to share fun facts about constellations, light pollution, and local wildlife.

• Marketing dark-sky merchandise or astrotourism on social media and travel websites.

Small steps today can transform a business into a nighttime destination that shines year-round.

Astrotourism proves that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Embrace the darkness, light up your bottom line, and turn every starry night into an unforgettable experience. 

Working with Organizations

There are many different types of organizations out there. Environmental, Public Health, Community Services, Law Enforcement, Energy Efficiency organizations just to name a few. Dark Skies ties to all organizations in one way or another, the work that needs to be done is connecting the organization to dark skies. The more organizations joining the fight against light pollution the more awareness and strength we'll bring in the valley. 

Here are some ways dark skies connect to a few sectors:

Environmental: by reducing artificial light at night we prevent the fragmentation of habitats, safeguard nocturnal pollination, avert the deadly migratory traps that lure birds into illuminated cities, maintain predator–prey balances, and protect the natural circadian rhythms that underpin the health and behavior of countless species. 

Law Enforcement: Light doesn't make things safer, thoughtful light does. Communities often light up the night without thought of how it is being illuminated, often times making things less safe, rather than safer. With utilizing thoughtful lighting and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) we can connect city planning and law enforcement organizations to using thoughtful planning and lighting, creating a space that reduces crime and the fear of crime.

Community Services: Our valley hums with nonprofits bringing the cosmos closer to home: libraries have become discovery hubs through the NCW Library of Things—where you can borrow telescopes, propose a Citizen Science Sky Quality Kit, or request STEM and space-themed materials—while parks and nature centers host guided stargazing hikes, constellation workshops, and moonlit storytelling under whispering pines, and bilingual services translate sky guides and offer skygazing events in Spanish, Marshallese, and more. By weaving together libraries, outdoor education, and multilingual outreach, we unite under a starlit canopy, empowering every curious soul to explore the universe above. 

Energy Efficiency: Our valley is home to organizations that can play a powerful role in advancing dark sky preservation through energy-efficient lighting. Chelan PUD offers a lighting rebate program that helps residents save money when retrofitting fixtures to dark sky-friendly options. The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) also supports initiatives that promote sustainable lighting solutions across the region.

By building strategic partnerships, we can work toward bulk purchasing programs and ensure cost-effective, dark sky-compliant lighting is readily available at local home improvement stores. Your voice matters—advocating to Chelan PUD and NEEA can help shift policy, expand access, and create a valley-wide movement toward smarter, environmentally conscious lighting.

Land Stewardship