Dark Sky Practices

Saguaro National Park is a certified Urban Night Sky Place. The Dark Sky initiative aims to combat the harmful impacts of light pollution on wildlife, but it also conserves energy use and protects the starry night sky views. With our close proximity to Tucson, an urban environment of over 1 million people, Saguaro National Park is increasingly aware of the negative effects of light pollution on wildlife behaviors such as sleep, reproduction, hunting, and overall health. Here are some of the suggestions listed on the International Dark Sky website on how to do your part in conserving the night sky:

• Use light only when it is needed
• Direct lighting only where it is needed. Consider your outdoor lighting and where the beams are directed (are they pointed out into the sky or directed towards the area of need).
• Low level lighting. Use lowest setting and consider the illuminated surfaces, some may reflect more into the sky than necessary
• Controlled usage: Motion sensors or timers ensure that lights are available when needed, but off when not.
• Warm color: least amount of blue-violet wavelength as possible.
• Link for resources: Advancing responsible outdoor lighting | DarkSky International