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It was in 1988 that founders David Crawford, a professional astronomer, and Tim Hunter, a physician/amateur astronomer incorporated the United States nonprofit organization, International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

As a gardener, a naturalist, an ecologist, a stargazer, an architect, designer, a homeowner and a romantic, this information can bring you scientific insight and hope. An interview with Lisa Heschong, a daylighting research engineer, architect and member of the local chapter of IDA, convinced me.

The night sky has been the object of scientific muse, the source of powerful photography and insight on current planetary circumstances, historical navigation and the conscious sense of our whereabouts. We sleep through our nights not fully contemplating the impact of darkness until we meet trained observers to tell us what transpires in the nighttime realm. There is a genetic governance to our rhythm. The darkness of night is a deeply rooted element in the well-being of all plants and animals.

Lisa Heschong is clear. She makes certain to credit the Santa Cruz Chapter of IDA that takes her in after 20 years of distant admiration, and now has served more directly for several years. She thanks her local collaborators, Mark Buxbaum, president; Andy Kreyche, vice president; Jeff Parry, secretary, for recent successes. Getting a word in is not easy these days, however, the association emphasizes a nonpartisanship membership to accomplish a practical scientific goal of well-being.

Asking her to impress me, she tells me of local accomplishments that the local International Dark-Sky Association provides. San Lorenzo River street light shielding project has been a big one. In the case of the San Lorenza River, running through downtown Santa Cruz, this was an important accomplishment.

While the project with Public Works was partially completed this is a good running start to protect the wildlife habitat that is impacted by light pollution. Keep in mind that all terrain was at some point natural habitat, therefore whether we live near a waterway, hillside, valley, chaparral or desert, this pertains to everyone.

Light pollution and its effects. In the case of the San Lorenzo River, street lighting was providing a mixed signaling, not only fish, mammals, but to insects and birds that took habit along the river. According to the Coastal Watershed Council, “Unnecessary levels of artificial  light do more than cause problems for already stressed fish…excessive lighting also wastes  money and electricity and isn’t good for people either.”

Chronobiology is the study of timing and biological rhythm processes of organisms. This may  include solar, lunar or climactic effects on an organism. In a previous article I mention my own  circadian rhythm that ran amok with Seasonal Affective Disorder due to poor sunlight exposure. Now imagine wildlife becoming equally compromised for their lack of darkness exposure.

Darkness can be a protection from predators, allows some species to cycle with full  and new moons for reproduction habits, navigation, for feeding cues, sleeping, hatching and alertness schedules. Nocturnal pollinators are confused with artificial lighting and has added impact on the reduction of many species.

In our conversation, Lisa mentioned the generational shift of human and wildlife nighttime  experiences. We were the generation of moths and mayflies fluttering around the porch lights.  Now they are not so abundant if it all in some places. Stephanie Mohr, a biologist in the  Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, concurs in her journalistic contributions  regarding the reduction and absence of natural patches of habitat conditions. While this may  seem ominous, there is an obvious remedy within the conversation.

Much can be done. As with the City of Santa Cruz, letting our municipalities know that  conservation of wildlife and human health matter to us. Light pollution can be disruptive among  neighbors and urban environments. Lisa Heschong made me aware of “light trespassing.” If you live in the city of Santa Cruz and street lights leak into your yards and homes, you can  submit a complaint or request for a light shield. Just as noise ordinances are in place, one has  the right to tell the city or neighbors that their outdoor lights are infringing upon our own property/living preferences.

Dark skies begin at home. According to IDA, 20%-50% of outdoor residential lighting is lost to the night sky, due to poor shielding alone. Here are the guidelines: 1. Make certain that your night lights are useful, they have a clear purpose; 2. Light should be directed only where it is needed and pointing downward; 3. Light should be used only when its needed; 4. Use warmer colored lights that are amber, or warmer colored, short wavelength colors like blue-violet should be avoided or limited.

For more information, check out an IDA local chapter: https:// santacruzdarksky.org.

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