On September 3, the focus will be on: Professional Support for Dark Sky Communities – Part 1: Finding common ground, examples from Colorado and Oregon.

Description: The focus of this session will be on the process of gaining community support, including that of local decision-makers and elected officials, to find common ground regarding the protection and maintenance of dark night skies. Connecting a purpose with the community’s vision, collecting data and using language that is appropriate and meaningful, developing lighting codes that can be followed, and designing activities that improve the public’s awareness of the types of outdoor lighting in their environment are all important steps.

Guest speakers:

• Hilary Lewkowitz, Director, Destination Development & Sustainability, Colorado Tourism Office, and Program Coordinator, Colorado Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program
• Katie Payer, Destination Development Contractor, Colorado Tourism Office, and Technical Support for the Colorado Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program
• Dr. Bill Kowalik, Board Chair and founding board member, DarkSky Oregon
• Michael McKeag, Chapter Director, DarkSky Oregon

Time: 9/3/25 @ 12:00 – 1:30 (MDT)

Registration Link: https://usu.zoom.us/meeting/register/5Hk120jsTk6rcawxFq8uKA#/registration

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On December 3, we will continue the discussion, to focus on: Professional Support for Dark Sky Communities – Part 2: Who can benefit and how.

Description: In this session, we will hear from Dr. John Barentine, a professional astronomer, dark sky consultant, and world-renowned expert in dark sky conservation, share his unique perspective after years of working in the industry, supporting communities, parks, and businesses achieve their goals to protect the night in economic and sustainable ways. Whether you are in a “gateway community” or not, learn ways astrotourism can be monetized when there is access to naturally dark skies.

Guest speaker:

• Dr. John Barentine, Principal Consultant, Dark Sky Consulting, LLC

Time: 12/3/25 @ 12:00 – 1:30 (MST)

Registration Link