Bringing “Bird Migration & Light Pollution in Connecticut” into Science Classrooms
Lights Out Connecticut has created a new lesson plan on "Bird Migration & Light Pollution in Connecticut" for middle school science classrooms.
New Model Lighting Regs for CT Towns and Cities, Developed by Lights Out CT
Connecticut towns and cities now have a model law to follow to limit light pollution and increase energy efficiency in their jurisdictions, thanks to a new model policy developed by Lights Out Connecticut. If adopted, the regulations would help local governments set comprehensive, up-to-the-minute standards to reduce unnecessary lighting across zones and districts and protect the night sky.
Living Bird-Friendly Series: Making Our Places & Spaces Safer for Birds
Join us for a special series exploring areas of bird-friendly living: eliminating window collisions, decreasing light pollution, planting native plants & flowers, and following bird-friendly pest control strategies. You’ll learn how to make your home or business safer and more inviting for birds.
Opinion: New climate bill needs more investment in energy efficiency, stop energy waste
we believe that there is no long-term path to sustainability in Connecticut without robust energy-saving programs and energy-reduction plans alongside a transition to clean energy.
“We Have to Stop Losing So Many”: Yale Works to Keep Birds from Flying into Buildings and Dying
Starting in April, a group will spend eight weeks walking routes of 50 buildings that have features like glass facades that “create deadly optical illusions,” Viveca Morris said. Films and patterns can be added to the glass to make them more visible to birds.
Tune In: Lights Out CT & Dark Sky CT on the Lisa Wexler Show
CT Chapter Chair of DarkSky International, Leo Smith, & Lights Out Connecticut co-chair, Meredith Barges, join Lisa Wexler to discuss progress on developing CT's municipal dark sky zoning regulations.
Lights Out CT Written Testimony Supporting H.B. 5004, Calling for More Investment in Energy Efficiency
Lights Out Connecticut supports the passage of HB 5004, the Climate Omnibus Bill, as a comprehensive approach for curbing greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut and slowing the rate of climate change. However, we believe that the state can and should do more with this bill by clearly recognizing that reducing energy use and energy waste is essential in the fight against climate change.
Lights Out Connecticut Asks Montville to Take the Lead on ‘Lights Out’ Rule
Lights Out Connecticut recommended that the Montville Town Council set a curfew for use of non-essential lights on town-owned properties or pass a rule that would protect property owners from having neighbors’ lights shine into their yards. The group presented the recommendations to the council last week while touting the numerous benefits of turning off excess lights, including the town saving money on its electricity bills and protecting migrating birds and other wildlife.
"Oh, What a Night!": The Lights Out CT 2024 Winter Gala
Thank you to all of the wonderful bird & night sky lovers who came out for our Lights Out Connecticut Winter Gala.
Lights Out CT - 2023 Annual Report
We are so proud of what we accomplished in 2023 while working with local residents, conservation groups, and elected officials from across our state.
IN BRIDGEPORT, THERE’S TOO MUCH LIGHTING-BY-THE-SEA
Opinion piece on light pollution at Mary’s-by-the-sea Park, written by Peter Spain and Donna Curran. Originally published in the Connecticut Post on December 28, 2023.
Lights Out CT Welcomes Ash Creek Conservation Association as New Strategic Partner
Last night, the Ash Creek Conservation Association board voted to join the efforts of Lights Out Connecticut.
Lights Out Halloween Display Wows Visitors at Sharon Audubon Center’s ‘Pumpkin Trail’!
A “Lights Out!” display featuring migratory birds and starry skies carved into pumpkins in front of lit-up high-rise buildings is a show-stopper at this year’s annual ‘Pumpkin Trail’ event at Sharon Audubon Center.
It's Migratory Bird Day! Help Us Grow Our Flock
It's Migratory Bird Day! Help us grow our flock with a charitable donation and inviting friends to take the Lights Out CT pledge!
Guilford Conservation Commission Calls for ‘Lights Out’
The Guilford Conservation Commission is asking Connecticut residents, businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits to pledge to turn off their unnecessary outdoor and indoor lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night during peak bird migration (spring: April 1 to May 31; and fall: Aug. 15 to Nov. 15) to reduce the risk of light pollution to migrating birds.
Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy
This first-of-its-kind report, Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy by Meredith Barges and Viveca Morris, offers insights that will help inform local bird-friendly design standards and policy to significantly reduce avian mortality.
Connecticut Passes “Lights Out” Law to Protect Birds
Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill into law aimed at protecting birds and the night sky from the harmful effects of light pollution. It requires all state-owned buildings in Connecticut to dim nonessential outdoor lights after 11pm year-round for birds. It also directs the CT Code and Standards Committee to consider a change to the lighting requirements in the State Building Code.
CT Senate Passes H.B. 6607, the “Lights Out CT” bill
H.B. 6607, the "Lights Out CT" bill, was unanimously voted out of the Senate, thanks to your support and advocacy! This bill is a MAJOR step forward in protecting birds ~ and all of us! ~ against light pollution.