The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County will hold a public forum on dark skies on Wednesday, May 7, beginning at noon, in the lower-level community room, at the Leelanau County Government Center.
Two members of Leelanau Dark Sky, Barb Foster and Nicole Arbury, will speak. Their presentation will focus on the impact that light pollution has on energy consumption and cost, on safety, on human health, on wildlife (both plants and animals) and on our night sky heritage. Attendees will leave with some simple suggestions for reducing their personal contribution to light pollution.
Leelanau Dark Sky ( leelanauenergy. org/darksky) was organized in 2018 by Northport and Leelanau Township citizens. It became a chapter of the local non-profit Leelanau Energy the same year. Leelanau Dark Sky’s mission is to preserve “the natural night sky while promoting human health and protecting the environment.” It is an advocacy member of DarkSky International ( darksky.org).
Dark Sky’s principal approach is to raise awareness about the value of dark, star-filled night skies and encourage their protection and restoration through education about the problems associated with light pollution and solutions, including outdoor lighting practices that create less light pollution.
This free program is open to the public. A member meeting will follow. Attendees are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.
The League of Women Voters ( lwv.org) is a national, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League is non-partisan and as an organization does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. People can learn more about Leelanau County’s local League at its website ( lwvleelanau.org).
