My Blog

Dark Sky Island

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Hero/Splash” module_class=”spy” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#232323″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][drksky_darksky_hero _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” headline=”Dark Sky Island” headline_font=”talldark|700|||||||” subhead_font=”aldhabi|700|||||||” subhead=”55 sq miles of isolated darkness in the norther reaches of Lake Michigan” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_css_headline=”font-size: 9.5vw” custom_css_subhead=”font-size: 3.5vw;”][/drksky_darksky_hero][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#141414″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Beginning at sunset…” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”151px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;||padding: 0;” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”aldhabi|500|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#f1f1f1″ header_2_font_size=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Beginning at sunset, deepening into evening’s rosy dusk, Beaver Island delivers all the glories of the night sky on an unmatched canvas of black. The Milky Way, meteor showers, galactic events, satellite flares, the Northern Lights and more. All in an atmosphere of quiet peace, little traffic, scenic areas, trails and waterways that mark your path to discovering the joy of relaxing under the stars.

We invite you to visit our island paradise that includes a specially recognized wilderness area dedicated to the protection of our natural environment including the uniquely dark skies overhead. The Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary is the first in Michigan, the 11th in the nation and just the 20th worldwide.  Prepare to be amazed. 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Our Mission" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" background_image="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/pIMG_1111bi.jpg" min_height="100vh" collapsed="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Welcome to the dark side" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" max_width="800px" collapsed="on" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" header_2_font="talldark||||||||" header_2_font_size="4em" header_3_font_size="1.5em" header_3_line_height="3em" background_layout="dark" custom_margin="||||false|false" header_2_font_size_tablet="" header_2_font_size_phone="2em" header_2_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]

Welcome to the dark side.

The Milky Way in full view as a soft breeze passes through. Saturn and Jupiter welcome you to the night, their glow providing the perfect path for nature to find its way. Constellations known and new introduce themselves as you gaze into the dark sky. Quiet. Silence. Darkness.

Welcome to Beaver Island, Michigan.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Our mission” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”800px” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Our Mission

We believe that darkness brings light, life, and health. Every decision made by every individual, whether a resident or a visitor, can positively or negatively affect the many delicate ecosystems on Beaver Island. By treasuring its complexities and respecting its fragility, we can protect life that thrives under dark skies through proactive communication, education, training, and structure.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" specialty="on" admin_label="Proposed Sanctuary" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" background_color="#00122b" collapsed="on" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sanctuary_1-1.jpg" title_text="sanctuary_1" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" specialty_columns="2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" background_layout="dark" custom_padding="||0px|||" global_colors_info="{}"]

The  Island’s INTERNATIONAL Dark Sky Sanctuary

An international dark sky sanctuary consists of public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment, and that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. The sanctuary encompasses the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area on the island (managed by the Michigan DNR) and Miller’s Marsh (owned by Central Michigan University and managed by the Little Traverse Conservancy). The sanctuary area features an unimpeded deep and dark night sky along with many other unique features due to its location and conservation efforts. Night sky quality is illustrated and documented with broad spectrum night sky photography, with SQM readings routinely darker than 21.6 magnitudes per square arcsecond in the visual band.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure="1_3,1_3,1_3" use_custom_gutter="on" gutter_width="2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column_inner type="1_3" saved_specialty_column_type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-12-01-full-moon-dark-skies-stars.jpg" title_text="2020-12-01-full moon dark skies stars" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type="1_3" saved_specialty_column_type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/pIMG_1111bi.jpg" title_text="pIMG_1111bi" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type="1_3" saved_specialty_column_type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/pIMG_0874bi.jpg" title_text="pIMG_0874bi" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" background_enable_image="off" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" custom_padding_last_edited="on|phone" admin_label="Section" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" background_color="#00232d" custom_margin="auto||auto||false|false" custom_padding="||4em||false|false" custom_padding_tablet="" custom_padding_phone="||3em||false|false" collapsed="on" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" make_equal="on" admin_label="numbers" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_code _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" background_color="#fff" width="100%" min_height="300px" global_colors_info="{}"]

[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]

We’re proud of our numbers.

Beaver Island is unique in many ways. Our location in an inky dark spot in the middle of northern Lake Michigan gives some of the darkest night skies in the world. Sky quality measurements (SQM) are measured on a scale from 16 to 22 with 16 indicating maximum light polution and 22 indicating the absence of all light polution. Readings all over the island are consistently exellent.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="60px||60px||false|false" custom_padding_tablet="" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SpringThree.jpg" title_text="SpringThree" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/whiskeyred.jpg" title_text="whiskeyred" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/DSCN7134.jpg" title_text="DSCN7134" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Iron_Ore_Bay-1.jpg" title_text="Iron_Ore_Bay" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" background_enable_image="off" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="knowledge is power" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" collapsed="on" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" header_2_font="talldark||||||||" header_2_font_size="4em" header_2_font_size_tablet="" header_2_font_size_phone="3em" header_2_font_size_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]

Knowledge is Power

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”display: block” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”display: flex;”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Light Pollution is a hazard to your health” button_url=”https://time.com/5033099/light-pollution-health/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font_size=”1.5em” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”1em” custom_css_main_element=”height: 100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]

For most Americans, the night sky is getting ever brighter. This causes significant harm to the health of human beings, animals and the ecosystem as a whole. [/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Stories of the night sky On the radio” button_url=”https://storytellersnightsky.com/on-the-record” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font_size=”1.5em” background_color=”#e09900″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”1em” link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_main_element=”height: 100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Star Lore Historian Mary Stewart Adams, former Program Director and founder of Michigan’s first International Dark Sky Park, who has been telling stories of the night sky on IPR since 2013.

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”smart lighting is for the birds” button_url=”https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution-poses-threat-to-migrating-birds/” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font_size=”1.5em” background_color=”#0c71c3″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Beaver Island is an import location for many migratory bird species. Most birds migrate at night and smart lighting choices can protect them.[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”be an advocate” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dddddd” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”talldark||||||||” header_2_font=”talldark||||||||” header_2_font_size=”4em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”3em” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Be an advocate

It’s easy to stay informed, get involved, and make a difference! Check out the links below to see how you can be a part of protecting Dark Skies.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Become a citizen Scientist” button_url=”https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/measuring-light-pollution/” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Be part of a global community that is helping scientists measure and study light pollution.

 

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Assess Your lighting” button_url=”https://darksky.org/what-we-do/darksky-approved/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0c71c3″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Inspect your property for inefficient, poorly installed, and unnecessary outdoor lighting.

 

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Advocate for Smart Lighting” button_url=”https://darksky.org/what-we-do/advancing-responsible-outdoor-lighting/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e09900″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”1em” custom_css_main_element=”height: 100%” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Local lighting ordinances ensure that your municipality is addressing artificial light at night.

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Become a DSI Member” button_url=”https://darksky.org/ways-to-give/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Join DSI” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Stay informed!

As new threats and opportunities arise to our dark skies, you can make a difference.

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”community support” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f2f2f2″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”talldark||||||||” header_2_font_size=”4em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”3em” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]

DARK SKY EVENTS

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Here’s a handy listing of events planned by the Beaver Island Dark Sky Project team along with information on celestial events that are likely to be of interest to dark sky fans. Additional information about Dark Sky events is featured in two recurring programs on WVBI. Listen every day for Stardate from the McDonald Observatory at 7:30 and 11:30 weekday mornings, at 3:30 in the afternoons and 10:30 and 3:30 a.m. at night. On the weekends, hear it at 11:30 in the morning, 2:30 in the afternoon and 2:30 during the overnight. The second show is the locally produced Story Teller’s Night Sky. Hear it Wednesdays after the news at 6 and 8 a.m., 5 and 7 p.m. and at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  If you miss the Story Teller’s Night Sky on the air, you can listen to the podcasts. Visit wvbi.net and click on the Podcast menu.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”be an advocate” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dddddd” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”talldark||||||||” header_2_font=”talldark||||||||” header_2_font_size=”4em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”3em” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

These organizations and individuals have graciously offered support for the Beaver Island International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

  • Little Traverse Conservancy
  • Beaver Island Association
  • Charleviox County Board of Commisioners

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

  • BI Chamber of Commerce
  • Peaine Township
  • Central Michigan University

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

  • St. James Township
  • Michigan DNR
  • Northern Lake Michigan Island Colaborative

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

  • Beaver Island Retreat, LLC
  • WBVI 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Code/Calendar” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#121212″ disabled=”on” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" admin_label="bi.org teaser" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" collapsed="on" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="You'll marvel at more than the Stars" subhead="Plan your trip at beaverisland.org" text_orientation="center" button_one_text="Click Here" button_one_url="https://beaverisland.org" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" title_level="h2" title_font="talldark||||||||" title_font_size="48px" subhead_font="aldhabi||||||||" subhead_font_size="36px" background_color="#1b1b1b" background_image="http://beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bg.jpg" min_height="270px" title_font_size_tablet="" title_font_size_phone="" title_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" custom_css_subtitle="margin-bottom: 1.5em" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section]