Naramata’s quest to become BC’s first Dark Sky certified community
“All species are impacted by light pollution. Flooding a nocturnal environment with artificial light destroys habitat, no less than bulldozing trees in a rainforest.” — Bettymaya Foott
A blanket of darkness slowly drapes itself over the village. As the sun's remnants paint the horizon pink, rows of vines retreat into the shadows. The lake, now calm and still, becomes a sheet of dark glass where only the faint light of a solitary boat gives away its identity. A dog barks in the distance, a gate creeks shut, then silence. The light crunch of gravel underfoot echoes as you wander through the twilight.
Arriving at the water's edge, you're overcome by a sense of peace. As the evening grows darker still, your eyes trace the fading valley tops, where the hills now resemble sleeping giants. Then, it happens. The first twinkle catches your eye. Looking up, your mouth falls open in amazement at something rarely seen these days. The blackened sky above has become an arena of light from a far-off place, a dark sky riddled with stars, flickering and dancing into the horizon.
When was the last time you've seen a sky like this, where stars outnumber the people below, and the Milky Way looks thick enough to walk upon? In Naramata, away from the bustle of big cities, the sky is a relic of something we've long forgotten. A natural phenomenon. A window into somewhere bigger than our daily lives.
Across the globe, light pollution has become so common that we've forgotten what the night sky really looks like. Not only is it a shame to miss out on something so beautiful, but it also harms the health of life on our planet, including ours. In an effort to remain connected to what's pure and natural, Naramata Slow has created Dark Sky Naramata.
To date, DarkSky International has certified more than 250 Dark Sky Places worldwide. While these include parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and developments, let’s focus on communities for now, as in Canada, only one is certified to date. That's what makes Dark Sky Naramata so special. Our lovely community is working toward becoming Canada’s second and the province's first Dark Sky-certified town. One light bulb at a time, the number of residents and local businesses getting involved is growing. We're almost there!
Street and porch lights no longer shine as brightly but instead emit a warm glow closer to the ground. And in the absence of large parking lots and giant signs, the most abundant light spilling onto the streets is from kitchens and living rooms. In an era of bigger, faster, brighter,
tiny Naramata is making a big statement as one of the few remaining townships with an unobstructed sky. A place where we can reconnect with our childhood and rebalance our
circadian rhythms. Somewhere for plants, insects and nocturnal animals to enjoy a healthier, more natural existence. And how fitting for Naramata Slow to lead the way toward the Dark Sky certification, as the Dark Sky and Slow Travel movements are two sides of the same coin.
Park your car and explore the area on foot or by bike. Move slowly through the streets of our quaint village and enjoy something absent in larger places. Allow the slow pace of Naramata to wash away the bustle of the city, and the coziness of this Dark Sky community to remind you of the magic nighttime offers. Step away from the bright city lights and into a true Dark Sky environment. Whether sipping an evening wine on a patio, strolling through our quiet streets, or lying on a blanket beside the lake, you'll always be under a stunning ceiling of stars.
As you plan your visit, keep an eye out for local businesses that mention Dark Sky participation on their websites so you can both support their efforts and enjoy the results. And while you're here, feel free to play your part by keeping your light usage to a minimum.
Book your trip to Naramata today to experience a slower pace and truly dark skies. You'll be glad you did, and you'll never sleep better. We'll see you soon!
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