Staunton River State Park has been named an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), becoming the first park in Virginia and only the 25th park in the world with that designation. 

Having fun at the Staunton River Star Party

Nighttime light pollution is common east of the Mississippi River, and natural nighttime darkness for stargazers is a rapidly vanishing resource 

Since fall 2011, Staunton River State Park has hosted the Staunton River Star Party in partnership with the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS). Members of CHAOS found the park by looking on a dark sky map (yes there really is such a thing). Held each spring and fall, last year's star party drew 140 participants from all over the United States, and even from Canada.

The viewing field in daytime at the Staunton River Star Party - low horizons make for good viewing at night

Recognizing value in maintaining dark skies, park staff took steps to reduce light pollution in the park and began the process of applying for this designation. Measures such as reducing unnecessary lighting, or using light fixtures that focus down rather than out and up, help maintain visibility of the night sky.

The surrounding community also got involved in the effort. For instance, the local utility company, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, helped out by installing dark sky compliant bulbs in the park.

“We are pleased to recognize the efforts at Staunton River State Park to protect Virginia’s dark night skies,” IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend said. “The new Dark Sky Park is truly a gem that all Virginians should treasure.”

Park Manager Adam Layman explained. “Our dark skies are an important natural resource, and one that we strive to protect just as we do our lands, waters and wildlife.”  Staunton River State Park’s outdoor lighting policy will serve as a blueprint for other state parks. 

“Virginia State Parks, specifically Staunton River State Park, is honored to be granted this designation,” said Virginia State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “Going forward, we intend to apply dark sky design principles at other DCR properties and to utilize lighting policies that minimally impact our visitor’s enjoyment of the night sky.”

Astronomers from across the US and Canada converge at Staunton River State Park for spring and fall star parties

Staunton River State Park now offers various opportunities for visitors to enjoy star gazing:

• Check out a telescope - thanks to donations from CHAOS, visitors can check out a telescope like a library book for use in the park
• Star gazing programs are scheduled throughout the year. The next one will be “The Moon, Saturn, Neptune” from 9 – 11 p.m. on August 21, 2015
• The fall 2015 Staunton River Star Party will be October 12 – 18. On Saturday, October 17, the event is free and open to the public from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Mingle with amateur astronomers to learn about and view planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies. For registration and information about the full star party, click here.

Staunton River State Park, located in Halifax County, is about a 2-hour drive from Richmond or Raleigh. For a Google map, click here. For overnight camping or cabin reservations, click here, or call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at (800) 933 - PARK (7275).

About the IDA Dark Sky Places Program

IDA established the International Dark Sky Places conservation program in 2001 to recognize excellent stewardship of the night sky. Designations are based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and innovative community outreach. Since the program began, 10 communities, 25 parks and nine reserves have received International Dark Sky designations.  For more information about the International Dark Sky Places Program, click here. 

About IDA

The International Dark Sky Association, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization based in Tucson, Arizona, advocates for the protection of the nighttime environment and dark night skies by educating policymakers and the public about night-sky conservation and promoting environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. More information about IDA and its mission may be found here.