Ridgway, CO- The Town of Ridgway has long been a protector of the night sky, officially earning its International Dark Sky Certification in 2020. This designation, spearheaded by dedicated community members in the beginning such as Jim Kennedy and Howard Greene, was a culmination of efforts to implement additional protections against light pollution beginning in 2018. Mayor John Clark and Dark Sky advocate Val Szwarc have also played key roles in guiding the town through the rigorous certification process, with initial dark sky measurements dating back to 2017 and earlier.
“The town has been shifting toward night sky protection since as early as 2006,” said Mayor Clark. “Ridgway has always valued its natural beauty, and preserving the night sky is a vital part of that.”
The journey to becoming a Dark Sky Certified community required comprehensive lighting ordinances, which were implemented in 2019. The process was not without challenges, as community perspectives on lighting regulations varied. However, through education and outreach, Ridgway emphasized the importance of sensible lighting solutions, such as motion-activated lights for safety rather than continuous illumination.
“Dark Sky preservation isn’t about turning lights off—it’s about using light responsibly,” says Szwarc. “It’s a new paradigm for many communities, but the benefits are undeniable.”
Why Protecting the Night Sky Matters
The impact of light pollution extends beyond obstructing the view of the Milky Way. Research shows that excessive artificial light affects wildlife, insects, and human health. Currently, 80% of the U.S. population has never seen the Milky Way due to sky brightness. As urban areas grow, maintaining Dark Sky Certification becomes an ongoing challenge.
“If sky brightness exceeds 21.2 on a sky quality meter, certification can be at risk,” Szwarc noted. “For instance, Montrose’s growth could impact the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park certification in the future.”
Residents can contribute to reducing light pollution by upgrading to Dark Sky-compliant fixtures and bulbs, which are available for as little as $20-$30. Local organizations like the Ridgway Ouray Community Council (ROCC) have played an instrumental role in funding and retrofitting public buildings, including Town Hall, the middle school, and the public library, with Dark Sky-friendly lighting. The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce (RACC) is currently working on a digital marketing campaign that highlights Ridgway’s dual Dark Sky certifications.
Additionally, projects such as Ridgway’s copper community walking trails incorporate Dark Sky-friendly street and pathway lighting, further reinforcing the town’s commitment to responsible illumination.
Ridgway is currently one of six communities that is Dark Sky certified and Top of the Pines Recreational area is one of eleven certified Dark Sky parks in the state of Colorado. For communities interested in pursuing Dark Sky Certification, Clark and Szwarc emphasize the importance of public education and outreach.
“Communication is key,” Clark advised. “Engage the community early, educate them on the benefits, and ensure there’s strong public support for updating lighting ordinances.”
Szwarc added that staying up to date with evolving Dark Sky standards is crucial. “As science advances, so do the standards for certification. Communities need to be willing to adapt.”
Ridgway State Park is also on its own journey toward certification. Although key transitions have happened at the organization in recent months, efforts continue, including gathering letters of support from community stakeholders. Szwarc, who helped draft the certification applications for both the Town of Ridgway and Top of the Pines remains involved in the process.
Looking Ahead
As part of maintaining certification, Ridgway submits an annual report documenting its Dark Sky efforts, including a minimum of four community outreach events each year. Events like astrotourism experiences, including those led by local astronomers as well as supportive neighboring communities, continue to inspire public interest and participation in night sky preservation.
With ongoing community support, Ridgway remains committed to preserving the beauty of its night sky for future generations. Join us tomorrow, Friday February 28th, for an incredible opportunity to view the planet alignments from 7pm-9pm. There will be telescopes available to viewers provided by the Black Canyon Astronomical Society at the Ridgway Athletic Park off County Road 23.
Special thanks to our friends at the Pinhead Institute and RACC who will have a film crew present on Friday to further feature Dark Sky initiatives in our area through their recently awarded, sustainable tourism, marketing campaign.
