Big Cypress National Preserve's star-studded night skies have earned the preserve International Dark Sky Place designation/Photo courtesy of Diana Umpierre

Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida has gained International Dark Sky Place designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.

With the extent of urbanization in the eastern United States it is becoming nearly impossible to experience the night with little impact from artificial light pollution. In south Florida, away from the urban development of the East and West coasts, Big Cypress has one of the last protected night skies where visitors can still enjoy the splendor of the Milky Way and see a night-sky strewn with thousands of stars with only the naked eye.

With this designation Big Cypress National Preserve now becomes the the first National Park Service unit east of Colorado to earn this designation and the 16th Park Service site to do so. 

To qualify as an International Dark Sky Place, staff from Big Cypress National Preserve developed outdoor lighting guidelines that specify when and where outdoor lighting is necessary. The maintenance team at the preserve undertook the arduous task of assessing and retrofitting hundreds of light fixtures. Additionally, staff from the preserve, in cooperation with several local amateur astronomy groups, will conduct annual educational opportunities from December through March. A schedule for which can be found here. 

Preserve leadership believes these efforts are just the beginning in a long-term process to secure the preserve's dark skies for years to come. IDA recognition is only one step along the way to success, but an important gesture in rewarding the hard work already done. “This designation, and the hard work the preserve staff has committed to, is a testament to the responsibility the preserve has entered into to protect its pristine dark skies for this and future generations,” said Superintendent Tammy Whittington.

The IDA’s International Dark Sky Places Program began in 2001 to encourage communities around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education. Big Cypress National Preserve will work with local astronomical societies and nearby communities to develop outdoor lighting guidelines to further minimize light pollution across South Florida ensuring the preservation of this special resource for all to enjoy.