The Manitoba government is celebrating the province’s first-ever dark-sky preserve designation from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) at Spruce Woods Provincial Park.
“We are excited to see beautiful Spruce Woods Provincial Park become the first provincial site to be designated as a dark-sky preserve, which recognizes its strong commitment to preserving nighttime ecosystems and educating visitors about light pollution,” said Environment, Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton. “Our government is happy to celebrate this milestone, and I would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers who helped secure this designation, which will enhance opportunities for park visitors to experience a natural dark-sky environment.”
Long known for having some of the highest-quality night-sky readings in southern Manitoba, Spruce Woods Provincial Park features pristine dark-sky environments that attract amateur stargazers and professional astronomers alike.
“From the first mention of Spruce Woods Provincial Park working towards a dark-sky preserve designation, Friends of Spruce Woods Inc. has supported Manitoba Parks with this project,” said Brian Mitchell, president, Friends of Spruce Woods Inc. “A big thank-you to all, including the dedicated group at the RASC. Friends of Spruce Woods Inc. is thrilled for its part in the preservation of the night sky in Spruce Woods and the first designation of a dark-sky preserve in Manitoba.”
The minister noted the designation follows years of dedicated work by Manitoba Parks staff, members of the RASC and volunteers with the Friends of Spruce Woods. The designation will be presented on Sept. 4 at a ceremony during the RASC’s annual Spruce Woods Star Party. Manitobans are invited to attend the ceremony starting at 7 p.m. at the park visitor centre, followed by moon observing at 8 p.m. and a laser-guided star tour at 9 p.m.
Dark-sky preserves are unique sites that have excellent night-sky readings, host astronomy programs and reduce light pollution to the greatest extent possible by adhering to established guidelines.
In areas of the park that need artificial light for safety, security or navigation purposes, the department has recently contributed to the installation of dark-sky compliant fixtures that use low wattage, amber-coloured lamps and shields that direct light downwards, noted Wharton.
“RASC’s Dark-Sky Sites program recognizes sites that are working to mitigate the impacts of light pollution through practising responsible lighting and educating visitors about the importance of dark skies,” said Phil Groff, executive director, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. “Through its designations, the society contributes to the expansion of Canada’s network of protected places and preserves the nocturnal environment and night sky. RASC is delighted to welcome Spruce Woods Provincial Park as our most recent designated Dark-Sky Site. We look forward to working with our partners there in the years ahead to help Canadians have a place to appreciate the night sky.”
More information on preserving the night sky and discovering parks after dark is available at manitobaparks.com.
