![]() The designation marks the beginning of our work in maintaining the dark skies, demonstrating that much of what visitors love about our dark sky parks hinges on resources and factors beyond our boundaries. Dark Sky designation recognizes areas and organizations working to maintain spaces where the public can easily see the stars. Nighttime light pollution is common east of the Mississippi River, and natural nighttime darkness is disappearing, making stargazing more difficult. It results from over five years of dedication and community support working together to meet the light pollution mitigation and education requirements necessary for the designation.ĭesignation: April 2021 Location: Delaplane They recognized Sky Meadows' unique resource of dark skies just outside a growing urban environment. The hope is to inspire surrounding communities to make quality outdoor lighting a priority so that Virginia can halt and reverse the decades’ long trend of growing light pollution.ĭesignation: April 2021 Location: Natural Bridgeĭecades ago, the volunteers initiated astronomy programs, leading to the designation process of Sky Meadows. The Dark Sky designation is a continuation of the park’s effort to bring understanding and awareness to our natural resources in a unique and enjoyable way. It also protects all natural resources, from dark skies to water, land and wildlife.ĭesignation: April 2019 Location: Gladstone The designation recognizes the park's commitment to providing visitors with the best opportunities to enjoy the night sky. They also outreached to the local community by hosting and promoting the Staunton River Star Party for guests to enjoy stargazing and camping.ĭesignation: July 2015 Location: Scottsburg Staunton River Park staff achieved the designation by establishing an outdoor lighting policy that minimizes light pollution. International Dark Sky Parks (IDSPs) are parks with an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that are protected for their scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.Īs well as the four state parks recognized by the IDA, Rappahannock County Park in Washington, Virginia, is a designated International Dark Sky Park.Īs part of the designation process, the parks established an outdoor lighting policy that minimized light pollution, reached out to the local community, and organized and promoted programs for guests to enjoy stargazing. Virginia State Parks has four parks designated as International Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) - Staunton River, James River, and the recently added Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows. Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks
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