SHOWCASING OUR STARGAZING PARADISE
Come join us in exploring the wonders of our celestial world, a mission championed by volunteers devoted to preserving Naramata’s precious dark skies.
Our community is evolving, and now is the time to make a conscious effort to preserve our dark skies.
you can help make naramata a certified dark skY community.
“We think life sleeps like we do, yet there is so much bug and animal activity and plant growth happening at night. Having dark sky certification allows our nocturnal creatures to hunt and forage naturally; artificial light can disrupt these activities and circadian rhythms. Let’s try and protect our rural area and all its beautiful creatures without excessive artificial light.”
What IS LIGHT POLLUTION?
PRESERVING THE NIGHT SKY HELPS TO PRESERVE OUR HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally.
Humans perceive light differently than other species. Too much light at night disrupts the circadian rhythm of many animals and plants, which react to light by changing their travel patterns, feeding, reproduction, or migratory behaviour. Research tells us that light pollution also harms human health, wasting resources and money and contributing to climate change.
Naramata boasts a unique nighttime environment that we cherish and wish to protect for future generations.
We aspire to become British Columbia's first Dark Sky Community.
“Children born in 2023 who can see about 250 stars, will see only 100 stars by their 18th birthday.”
The New World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness
“Today, 80% of Americans and one-third of all humanity can no longer see the Milky Way.”
IMAGINE NARAMATA WITHOUT OUR STARRY SKIES
We want our skies to stay naturally dark for as long as possible and aim to educate and inspire our community to take personal actions to reduce light pollution.
Dark Sky Naramata is a group of concerned citizens working in cooperation with the Naramata Slow Community Group.
Our goal is to become a CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY COMMUNITY by adhering to the rigorous standards laid forth by Dark Sky International.
The Dark Sky Certification will ensure that our skies stay as dark as possible for as long as possible.
By preserving our dark skies, we can protect our natural surroundings, human health and the health of our agricultural community.
As a recognized Dark Sky Community, we would have the opportunity to position Naramata as a premier ecotourism or astrotourism destination, showcasing and sharing our pristine night skies.
We invite you to join the initiative to save our dark skies.
HOW CAN I HELP
KEEP OUR DARK SKIES SAFE?
WE CAN ALL TAKE PRACTICAL ACTIONS TO HELP PROTECT THE NIGHT SKY.
With relatively minor changes to new building bylaws and education on the benefits of using focused, beneficial light, we can collectively significantly impact the preservation of our Naramata starry nights.
QUICK tips for homeowners
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USE OUTDOOR LIGHTS AS NEEDED
Use outdoor lighting only as needed, leaving outdoor lights turned off unless required.
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SHIELD BEAMS DOWNWARD
Ensure the beams from your outdoor lights are shielded to shine downward and don’t spill beyond where needed.
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USE MOTION DETECTORS
For security purposes, use short-duration motion detectors to control outdoor lighting.
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USE WARM COLOUR LIGHTS
Choose warm-coloured lights and LED bulbs wherever possible.
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CLOSE WINDOW COVERINGS
Close window coverings at night when bright lights are on inside.
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BE IN THE KNOW
Get educated, participate in Dark Sky Naramata events and encourage your neighbours to do the same.
Business Owners in Naramata, Are You on Board?
We are off to a great start!
Be proud! As a community, we have already eliminated lighting through minimal street light use and the replacement of all public space lighting with downward-directional lighting, light sensors, and high-efficiency LED bulbs, which use less energy and improve colour temperatures. Our recently revised Official Community Plan declares Naramata’s intention to keep our skies dark. The RDOS encourages high-efficiency street lights only in areas with a public safety issue or a commercial need.
Dark Sky Approved Lodging
Here’s how your accommodation business can become Dark Sky Approved.
Do you own or operate a Naramata campground, resort or lodging facility that adheres to Dark Sky Approved lighting principles? You can apply for an official Dark Sky certification designation for your accommodation business through Dark Skies International.
Are you a Developer, Architect, Builder or Designer working in the Okanagan?
Your work is critical in keeping the stars in the Naramata sky.
Your design choices matter. We are currently developing a set of guidelines and best practices for exterior lighting design suitable to our landscape. In the meantime, you can refer to the Guideline for Good Exterior Lighting Plans to help you make dark, sky-friendly choices in your design process.
