The Bend Night Sky Alliance is a volunteer-led organization working to reduce light pollution through policy, education, and direct outreach. Under the DarkSky Oregon umbrella, we aim for a dark sky for all.
Since the city's outdoor lighting ordinance was last written, conventional LED streetlights have been invented and Bend's population has nearly doubled. The code hasn't been able to keep pace, and neither has awareness of just how much is being lost to sleep, to wildlife, and to the experience of seeing a sky full of stars.
Unlike most forms of pollution, light pollution has an off switch.
Most light trespass is unintentional. We want to lead with conversations and simple solutions.
The increase in light pollution is measurable and the decrease has tangible benefits. Our policy asks are backed by data.
Good lighting design improves safety and cuts glare at the same time. There is no need to choose between them.
