Monarchs, Milkweed and the Milky Way

With Columbia Audubon Society & DarkSky Missouri

Seeing the Milky Way at night from your yard is just as much an indicator of a healthy, natural environment as having a habitat that attracts iconic monarch butterflies. Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale will discuss how to protect natural nighttime conditions in a safe and ecologically responsible manner that also addresses the legitimate outdoor lighting needs in our communities. Adults.

This presentation calls on all nature lovers to work together toward a comprehensive approach to conservation, following in the footsteps of Rachel Carson and Doug Tallamy. The ability to see the Milky Way at night your yard is just as much an indicator of a healthy, natural environment as having natives plants that attract iconic monarch butterflies. Just as pesticides and invasive species degrade precious and life-nourishing natural resources such as soil and water, the indiscriminate use of unshielded, bright blue-white LED light degrades another underappreciated natural resource: natural darkness at night.

Humans and other animals need it to regulate sleep and maintain mental and physical health. Most birds migrate at night in the cover of darkness, and many animals take advantage of the darkness to forage, hunt and breed. Responsible outdoor lighting is not just good for the environment and human health, but it also enhances the safety of pedestrians and drivers by reducing direct glare and distractions.

Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale will discuss the relatively straightforward steps you can take to protect natural nighttime conditions in a manner that is not only safe, aesthetically pleasing and ecologically responsible, but also addresses the legitimate outdoor lighting needs in our communities.

Dr. Gokhale is a professor of physics and astronomy at Truman State University. He loves the night sky and is training to be a Missouri Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. 

This program is presented in partnership with the Columbia Audubon Society and DarkSky Missouri. 

Adults.

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