This fall, District 87 will begin demolition of the west hill at Glenbard West, years after it demolished the east hill. An addition larger the Science Wing built on the east hill will replace dozens of trees.

As does the Science Wing, the addition will introduce large windows on the east, south and west sides of the addition, including the staircase planned for the southwest corner. Large windows will also be installed for a multi-story atrium that will be constructed on the south side at West. These large windows introduce more light pollution to the neighborhood, including environmentally sensitive Lake Ellyn.

“Bird Friendly COD” is an interdisciplinary group of volunteer facility, staff, students and community members working alongside Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) and DuPage Willowbrook Wildlife Center to protect the lives of migratory birds on the COD campus through research, documentation, education and policy change.

Recently, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) invited the Chicago Chapter of Dark Sky International to present to MMC’s Environmental Committee. Representatives from the Village of Homer Glen and the Village of Westmont also presented.

You might have heard there is a rare planetary alignment happening in our night skies!  While that isn't entirely true, our darker skies in winter do make for some spectacular star and planet gazing.  In this spirit, this week we are shining a light on special projects completed by the Glen Ellyn Park District that add to the community while protecting the environment - particularly our skies. 

On its website, Dark Sky International now has templates and user guides for state statutes and municipal ordinances.

UPDATE ON McCORMICK PLACE WINDOWS AND BIRD STRIKES

Weather conditions, a pulse of migrating warblers, and bright lights combined to create a wave of bird deaths. McCormick Place has taken action to mitigate the problem!

SB3501, known as the Illinois Outdoor Lighting Control Act, the new statute will become effective on January 1, 2025. The Act is one of the first state statutes in the country to address light pollution and, more significantly, light pollution caused by modern outdoor LED lighting.

Photo Courtesy ‎United States Department of Defense

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County unanimously adopted its first Outdoor Lighting Policy in July. Kane County becomes the third Forest Preserve District to adopt dark-sky friendly outdoor lighting policies, following Cook and DuPage.

On June 19th, the Brookfield Zoo and Sag Moraine Native Plant Community co-sponsored "Partnerships for Pollinators” event at the Zoo. The event was held to bring attention to a very dire trend: since the 1950’s the pollinator population has seen a dramatic decline.

Recently, the Geneva and Naperville Park District Boards voted unanimously to adopt sustainable outdoor lighting practices. Both resolutions encourage outdoor lighting practices including those recommended by DarkSky International.

Artificial light at night can be disruptive to wildlife migratory patterns and waste energy. Consider utilizing these following tips to be dark sky-friendly at home.

A resident of Wheaton, Illinois, Grote Rebar constructed the first radio telescope in his backyard in 1937. With a mirror that was 31.4’ in diameter and made of sheet metal, he was successful in detecting radio emissions from the Milky Way.

Assessing the desired use of lighting, light shielding/targeting, light intensity/brightness, lighting color, and utilizing “smart” lighting options can all provide an improved quality of life for residents. Responsible lighting is an essential component of CPTED that can help improve natural surveillance, create natural access control, establish community territoriality, lessen maintenance, and activate a space with desired users. When implemented carefully and strategically, it can be an effective tool in promoting safety and security in our communities.

On September 15, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County hosted its Palos Night Sky Picnic at a Dark Sky International certified urban dark sky preserve, Palos Preserve.

An exhibit funded and constructed by our friends from the Carol Stream Home Depot is now on display in the Education Room at SCARCE.

Shorebirds need darkness. Much of the year, they are migrating between their northern breeding grounds and their southern wintering grounds. Natural darkness allows them to see the celestial cues they need for navigation. It provides them with a measure of safety while they’re roosting at the water’s edge.

In my “day job” I often use images of the Earth at night taken from space to understand the impacts of light pollution down here where we live. Every once in a while I’ll stumble upon something that tells a story.

In recent years, cities, towns and small communities across the world have taken part in a radical revolution — of our lightbulbs. Traditional orange-tinged high-pressure sodium bulbs are being swapped for more energy-efficient, whiter and brighter LED (light-emitting diode) lights. But the rise of LEDs is also illuminating new problems for our night sky, as well as our health.

There is an increasing trend called “astrotourism” — places that provide access to dark skies or protected land without lights, such as parks, orchards that welcome the public to experience what was once in their backyard. Of course, this is all for a price.

DarkSkyChi wishes to voice grave concerns about SkyCanvas: a “space entertainment technology company” that will “transform the night sky into a showcase for human-made shooting stars.” We present our concerns and ask you to sign our petition.