Shared by Jennifer Jones, as Guest Blogger.

The night sky, like our forests, wildlife, soils, and water, is a natural resource that should be protected for future generations to experience and enjoy.

The award-winning Dark Sky Places Program, started by International Dark-sky Association (IDA) in 2001, encourages communities around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting polices and public education. James River State Park has begun the process of applying for certification to become an International Dark-Sky Association Dark Sky Park (DSP). We understand the importance of dark sky preservation not only for human health, but for our wildlife, energy efficiency, and safety.

The night sky overlooking the Tye River from James River State Park is stunning

There are currently 23 certified Dark Sky Parks in the United States, including Staunton River State Park in Scottsburg, VA. James River State Park has started working on the requirements necessary to become a part of this elite group. If park efforts are successful then the park will be the second Virginia State Park that shares in protecting our natural starry skies and providing the opportunity for others to experience the beauty, inspiration, and wonder of twinkling stars and outstanding night sky viewings. 

Lora Callahan, a volunteer at James River who is also in the process of achieving her Girl Scout Gold Award, has been working with park staff on a night sky friendly lighting project. She has been building and installing shields for the outside light fixtures on the cabins. The shielding of these fixtures reduces the impact of artificial light glow from glaring out into the night sky, thus minimizing light pollution in our park.

Light shields being built to help James River State Park meet requirements for certification 

Park staff is also taking inventory of current lighting, preparing a Lightscape Management Plan (LMP) implementing good outdoor lighting, and noting any areas that are not compliant. The LMP established goals will be to bring lights within the park into compliance as required in the guidelines set forth by the IDA. Lora and staff have also met with a representative from the IDA Virginia Chapter to monitor and record night sky quality meter measurements within the park. The sky quality measurements will be used by the IDA to identify the designation tier - Gold, Silver, or Bronze for James River State Park.   

In our ongoing efforts to continue to enhance visitor experience, to meet the requirements of the IDA, and to collaborate with surrounding communities; James River State Park plans to expand interpretive and educational programs related to dark skies.

Stargazing Programs

Upcoming 2016 opportunities for stargazing and night sky viewing at the park can be experienced with the Crewe Astronomy Club on the evenings of May 14, 2016 and September 10, 2016. The program will be held at the Visitor Center and is free to the public. Additional information for this and other park programs click here.