Sisters, Oregon: A Stellar Achievement in Dark Sky Preservation
The picturesque western-style town of Sisters, Oregon, nestled amidst forests and the Cascade Mountains, has joined an elite group of communities dedicated to preserving the beauty and wonder of the night sky. DarkSky International, a leading organization in the fight against light pollution, has officially designated Sisters as an International Dark Sky Community, making it the second such community in Oregon and the seventh International Dark Sky Place overall in the state. This prestigious certification is a testament to the years of unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of the Sisters community, from students and educators to local officials and passionate advocates. The designation not only recognizes the town’s commitment to protecting its pristine night skies but also paves the way for enhanced educational opportunities, sustainable lighting practices, and a boost to its thriving tourism industry.
The journey towards this remarkable achievement began in 2000 with the inception of an astronomy program at Sisters High School, sparking a community-wide awareness of the importance of dark sky preservation. This initial spark ignited a movement that led to the enactment of the city’s Dark Skies Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, a crucial step in mitigating light pollution. Through a comprehensive outreach campaign encompassing newsletters, social media engagement, newspaper articles, and community events, Sisters effectively educated its residents about the detrimental effects of excessive artificial light on both the environment and human well-being. The establishment of astronomy clubs further fueled the town’s passion for the cosmos, fostering a deeper connection with the night sky. The town’s commitment extends beyond awareness campaigns, encompassing concrete actions such as retrofitting lighting to meet the stringent standards set by DarkSky International.
The certification from DarkSky International signifies Sisters’ dedication to proactive conservation efforts and its exemplary community engagement. According to Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager, Sisters’ application “underscores the town’s dedication to conserving its natural night sky.” She commended the collaborative efforts of students, advocates, and local officials, emphasizing their significant role in raising awareness and enhancing community lighting. The resulting improvements not only benefit the quality of the night sky but also enhance the overall environment for both residents and visitors.
Sisters, with a population of 3,475, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Situated within a three-hour drive of Portland and the Pacific Ocean, the town provides easy access to a plethora of recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, pristine alpine lakes, and renowned ski areas. Just 20 miles away lies Bend, a bustling recreation hub, further enhancing Sisters’ appeal as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s diverse landscape transitions from lush Ponderosa Pine and alpine forests in the west to the expansive high desert dotted with junipers and sagebrush in the east. This varied terrain supports a rich diversity of wildlife, from a resident herd of deer to bears, cougars, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Conservation efforts have also ensured the thriving presence of significant fish populations, including the native interior Columbia Basin redband trout and the federally listed Steelhead salmon.
The history of Sisters is deeply intertwined with the Paiute, Warm Springs, and Wasco peoples, who have long cherished the region’s natural resources, fishing in Whychus Creek and gathering huckleberries in the surrounding mountains. European settlers arrived in the late 1860s, officially establishing the town of Sisters in 1901. Over the years, Sisters has evolved from a small pioneer settlement centered on sheepherding, cattle ranching, and timber production to a vibrant community renowned for its western architectural charm and thriving tourism industry, particularly after the development of Black Butte Ranch in the 1970s.
Mayor Michael Preedin expressed immense pride in Sisters’ achievement, acknowledging the community’s dedicated efforts. While narrowly missing the title of the first city in Oregon to receive the designation (Antelope secured the honor just weeks prior), Mayor Preedin emphasized the significance of being the second. He highlighted the benefits of reducing light pollution, not only for the local environment but also for the broader global community. He also recognized the potential for increased astro-tourism, further enriching the town’s economy. Mayor Preedin specifically commended the Sisters Astronomy Club for its instrumental role in spearheading the movement and driving the initiative forward.
Bill Kowalik, Ph.D., Chairperson of DarkSky Oregon, lauded Sisters for setting a commendable standard for responsible outdoor lighting in the state. He emphasized the positive impact of the certification on residents, visitors, and the surrounding wildlife. The international recognition, he noted, further elevates Sisters’ profile, already known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, now adding environmental stewardship and dark sky preservation to its list of accolades.
Looking ahead, Sisters plans to prioritize educational initiatives focused on the benefits of dark sky preservation and the practical steps residents and businesses can take to retrofit non-compliant lighting. This ongoing commitment will involve newspaper articles, community events such as stargazing parties, and financial assistance for lighting upgrades. These efforts will ensure that Sisters continues to serve as a shining example of a community dedicated to protecting its precious night skies and inspiring others to follow suit. The town’s dedication to preserving the darkness ensures that future generations can continue to marvel at the celestial wonders above and experience the profound connection to the universe that a truly dark sky provides.
