by Allison Vaughn, Communication Chair

As many of you know from previous newsletters, CAS has partnered with DarkSky Missouri to seek Urban Night Sky Place designation for Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. The preapplication has been submitted (submitted Feb 26, 2026) but I have been (as my dad would say) birddogging this response if we need to proceed. This is one step towards Columbia’s Bird City designation that the Missouri River Bird Observatory is working on. We have been in close contact with Dr. Vayu Gokhale from Truman State University (who spoke to our chapter and at MoBCI meetings) and our inveterate partnership with the Missouri Master Naturalist who has been taking all of the night sky readings, Jarrett Whitstance, who has done incredible work for us in this venture.

As we know, Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) causes disruptions in bird migration patters at a time when they need the darkness the most: NOW! There are simple ways you can retrofit your lighting and turn off unnecessary lights at night, serve as an advocate by sharing the Birdcast maps on your social media pages, and really spreading awareness. The link to information and outreach for International Dark Sky Week can  be found here. This is your onestop shop for all things Dark Skies! From how-tos, to reasons, and education, and how to certify your own property.