In 2023 the International Dark-Sky Association (or IDA) became DarkSky International, and the Virginia Chapter of IDA became DarkSky Virginia. If you didn't notice, it's okay! It's true--we don't have a big, obvious presence. This is our website and we aren't on social media. We do not have independent 501(c)3 status or a board of directors. But that doesn't mean we aren't an active chapter. In our informal way, we are very active! Here are some examples of our work in 2023:
- Five presentations by chapter representative Laura Greenleaf, in person and virtual, including at the Virginia Living Museum
- Support for Virginia's five Dark Sky Parks
- The launch of a Charlottesville-based local advocacy group, Dark Skies Piedmont (you can find them on Facebook)
- Formation of a new regional chapter DarkSky NOVA
- Delegate status for members in Staunton
- Formal comment to Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on outdoor lighting ordinance and resource support to local advocates
- Advocacy for environmentally responsible outdoor lighting to the Science Museum of VA (see post below)
- A published article by Genevieve de Messieres in Loudoun Wander magazine: https://www.wanderloudoun.com/magazine/2023-spring-summer
- Support for Turner Farm Observatory's application as an Urban Dark Sky Place
- Advocacy in Norfolk for a Lights Out campaign
- Responses to all inquiries and requests for assistance
. . . and more!
If you are not yet a member, please consider becoming a member of DarkSky. if you live in Virginia, when you join DarkSky International, you become a member of our Virginia chapter. And when you support DarkSky, you support our volunteer efforts here in Virginia because we rely on DarkSky's amazing staff and the resources they provide.
Want to explore how you can help DarkSky Virginia? Please email Laura at lauragreenleaf@verizon.net
