DarkSky Oregon
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Oregon National Caves National Monument and Preserve
Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve offers a journey through time and space—both beneath the earth’s surface and under its dazzling night skies. Located in southern Oregon, this 4,554-acre sanctuary protects a labyrinth of marble caves and an expansive wilderness teeming with biodiversity, where endangered and endemic species flourish in old-growth forests. The Park’s unique ecosystem is a testament to the region’s rich geologic history, a saga of shifting mountains, evolving climates, and thriving life.
Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve offers a journey through time and space—both beneath the earth’s surface and under its dazzling night skies. Located in southern Oregon, this 4,554-acre sanctuary protects a labyrinth of marble caves and an expansive wilderness teeming with biodiversity, where endangered and endemic species flourish in old-growth forests. The Park’s unique ecosystem is a testament to the region’s rich geologic history, a saga of shifting mountains, evolving climates, and thriving life.
Now, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve (ORCA) celebrates a new milestone: recognition as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. This certification underscores the Park’s commitment to conserving its pristine night skies and preserving the nocturnal environment for generations to come. ORCA joins an exclusive network of only 128 Dark Sky Parks worldwide and stands as Oregon’s second such destination, following Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Amber Harrison, Program Manager for DarkSky International’s Dark Sky Places Program, hailed the achievement: “This designation highlights ORCA’s dedication to conservation, offering visitors an unparalleled blend of natural and celestial wonders while fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.”
A Commitment to Night Sky Preservation
The dark skies over ORCA remain a sanctuary from the creeping glow of urban light pollution, thanks to the Park’s efforts to safeguard its nocturnal environment. Over the next decade, the Park will implement a three-phase lighting retrofit that adheres to DarkSky International’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting. By reducing artificial light and preserving natural darkness, ORCA ensures that its ecosystems and nightscapes retain their timeless character.
Buffer zones of undeveloped land around the Park further protect it from light trespass, creating a haven for stargazers and nocturnal wildlife alike. This initiative not only honors the ecological integrity of the region but also inspires educational outreach and scientific collaboration. From community programs to global partnerships, ORCA shines as a beacon of what’s possible when nature and human effort align.
A Legacy of Exploration and Wonder
Established in 1909 to protect its stunning marble cave systems, ORCA has long been a destination for discovery and recreation. Today, visitors can explore its fascinating caves, hike scenic trails, and marvel at the wildlife thriving in its old-growth forests. The addition of the International Dark Sky Park certification enhances the Park’s appeal, offering opportunities to witness some of the clearest night skies in the region.
Seasonal events, including guided cave tours and summer stargazing programs, invite visitors to connect deeply with the natural and celestial wonders of the Park. Star parties in ORCA’s Historic District and other nighttime activities bring the cosmos to life, fostering an appreciation for the beauty and significance of unspoiled night skies.
A Bright Future for Dark Skies
The recognition of ORCA as a Dark Sky Park is a testament to the tireless work of Park staff, volunteers, and collaborators like DarkSky Oregon. Their efforts ensure that the star-filled skies above the Siskiyou Mountains remain a source of inspiration and wonder, free from the encroaching haze of artificial light.
Whether you’re a curious explorer, an avid stargazer, or a wildlife enthusiast, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve offers a rare chance to step back in time—both to the geologic past beneath the earth and to a night sky as our ancestors saw it. Plan your visit and experience the magic of one of Oregon’s most extraordinary treasures.
Oregon Outback DarkSky Sanctuary on KGW-TV
For this episode of Let's Get Out There, our Matt Zaffino traveled to a place in south-central Oregon known as the "Oregon Outback."
Prineville Reservoir State Park certified as an International Dark Sky Park
May 7, 2021 - PRINEVILLE, Oregon
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and the Oregon Chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) are pleased to announce that Prineville Reservoir State Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it the newest addition to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Dark Sky Places Program. Prineville Reservoir is the first Oregon park and the second place in Oregon to be honored with the designation.
The certification recognizes the exceptional quality of the park's night skies as well as the park's efforts to install responsible lighting and educate the pubIic about light pollution. Prineville Reservoir joins only 174 locations worldwide that have followed a rigorous application process for dark sky certification.
"We are proud to help protect the night skies above Prineville Reservoir from Iight pollution and share Oregon's incredible dark sky with visitors who may not be able to see the Milky Way from home," said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. "This designation is the result of the hard work of the staff at Prineville Reservoir and builds on their longtime dedication to astronomy education."
"This designation makes Prineville Reservoir a premier destination for stargazing, driving overnight visitation and drawing tourism dollars to the region while enhancing quality of Iife for residents," said Bob Hackett, Associate Director of Travel Southern Oregon.
Prineville Reservoir State Park was selected for its expansive dark skies that connect the growing central Oregon city of Bend and population centers west of the Cascade Mountains to the vast starry skies that envelope southeastern Oregon. As part of the application process, park staff replaced harsh outdoor Iights with softer yellow and red lighting that reduces skyglow.
"The park offers a genuine night-sky experience for those coming from light polluted cities," said Bill Kowalik, chair of the Oregon Chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association. "Formal recognition of this International Dark Sky Park, located in rapidly growing central Oregon, will help to educate the public and decision makers about Iight pollution and the value of the night sky to people and to our greater wild ecosystem."
The International Dark-Sky Association aims to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. The International DarkSky Places Program was founded in 2001 as a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting polices and public education.
Media Contacts
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Nate Robedeau
Park Ranger, Prineville Reservoir State Park
nate.robedeau@oregon.gov
International Dark-Sky Association, Oregon Chapter
Bill Kowalik
Oregon Chapter Chair
biII.kowalik@darksky.org
Sunriver - Oregon’s First Dark Sky Place
August 3, 2020 - PRESS RELEASE
Sunriver, OR – Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and the Oregon Chapter of the International Dark Sky Association are excited to announce the designation of Sunriver, Oregon as the newest addition to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Dark Sky Places Program – as a “Dark Sky Development of Distinction.” Sunriver is the first “Dark Sky Place” recognized in Oregon and one of only 130+ recognized worldwide to date.
Sunriver is an unincorporated town at the base of the Cascade Mountains in Deschutes County of Central Oregon. The Sunriver development was launched in the late 1960’s with a vision to build a community integrated with nature, a vision which has been achieved and is continued and valued by Sunriver residents.
Bob Grossfeld, Observatory Manager of Sunriver Nature & Observatory (SNCO), spearheaded the Dark Sky Place effort. The very active SNCO’s mission is to “inspire present and future generations to cherish and understand our natural world.”
Sunriver features slow curving roadways in an evergreen forest and bicycle paths throughout, lighting restrictions on residential and community buildings and a minimum of street lights. Sunriver is 5 square miles in size and is surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest.
Established in 1988, IDA has led a movement to protect our night skies from light pollution. Their overarching goal, which revolves around the four strategic priorities described below, is to reduce light pollution and promote responsible outdoor lighting that is beautiful, healthy, and functional.
Celebrate the Night: Increase awareness of the benefits of the night for all living things, and how light pollution is an urgent environmental threat that individuals can help solve.
Dark Sky Protection: Protect exemplary dark skies through our certification program.
Lighting Where We Live: Engage cities and communities in reducing light pollution through responsible lighting policy and practice.
Skyshed Restoration: Implement coordinated, intentional, and scalable actions to slow, halt, and reverse the increasing rate of light pollution.
“We are honored that IDA has elected to welcome Sunriver into the IDA Dark Sky Places Program”, said Keith Mobley, President of the Sunriver Owners Association Board of Directors. “And we are pleased that our ongoing efforts of the past 60 years to be one with nature are recognized now for our protection of pristine skies from light pollution.”
Contact: Bob Grossfeld – bob@snco.org
Web: IDA – Sunriver designated first International Dark Sky Place in Oregon
Learn more about:
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory – www.snco.org
The Oregon Chapter of IDA - www.darkskyoregon.org
IDA’s global work to protect the night from light pollution - www.darksky.org