Dark Skies Education

Don’t be afraid of the dark! Join the Dark Skies movement by turning off any unnecessary lights at night.

Why Dark Skies Are Important

Dark Skies are about more than just enjoying a beautiful celestial display. Light pollution disrupts the natural ecosystems of plants, animals and insects. Birds need starry skies to navigate during their migration. Animals need the dark to hide from predators at night. Insect populations can be heavily impacted by artificial light. Their fatal attraction to nighttime light can impact the entire ecosystem. Humans also need darkness at night to stay healthy. Artificial light exposure at night disrupts sleep patterns, can lead to impaired daytime function and obesity.   

How You Can Embrace the Night 

The first and most simple step – turn off your lights at night. Outdoor lighting is the primary cause of light pollution. Make sure your outdoor lights are off by 10pm and turn off any unnecessary indoor lights. You can also make your outdoor lighting more dark skies friendly by positioning the light beam downward and adding motion sensors. You will not only be helping your own health and the health of the environment, but you’ll also be saving some money. Researchers estimate that 30% of outdoor lighting in the U.S. is wasted by lights that aren’t shielded, costing consumers $3.3 billion in excess energy charges. 

2025 Don't Be Afraid of the Dark Photo Contest

More than 60 people gathered to celebrate the winners of the second “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” photo contest at a special reception held on September 12th at Tahoe Forest Hospital’s Medical Office Building.

The nighttime photography competition, co-hosted by the Town of Truckee, the City of Nevada City, the Truckee Cultural District, and the Nevada County Arts Council, invited residents across Nevada County to capture the beauty of dark skies. The contest received 138 submissions in three categories: Professional, Amateur, and Youth, promoting awareness of the importance of reducing light pollution and preserving the wonder of the night sky.

The evening featured a gallery exhibition of the finalists' work, where the winners were announced. The following photographers were honored in three categories, as presented by Town of Truckee Mayor Jan Zabriskie, Nevada City Mayor Adam Kline and Nevada City Public Art Commissioner Shannon Harney:

Professional Category

  • First Place: Daniel Heck
  • Second Place: Bryce Winsor
  • Third Place: Jeremy Jensen

Amateur Category

  • First Place: Rachel McCullough
  • Second Place: Nick Schwarz
  • Third Place: Max Leabman
  • Fourth Place: Lori Thomas
  • Fifth Place: Doug Weiss

Youth Category (under 18)

  • First Place: Drew Basile
  • Second Place: Drew Basile
  • Third Place: Lucy Greenwood
  • Fourth Place: Drew Basile
  • Fifth Place: Aylah Lyhne

Jeremy Jensen's Ancient Wisdom piece was awarded "Best of the East", while Allison Kalt's Out of This World Outhouse piece was awarded "Best of the West". These additional awards not only recognize the talent of local photographers but also celebrate the diverse landscapes that make Nevada County unique.

A selection of photographs are now on display at LIFT Workspace, the Exhibition Hall at Truckee Town Hall, and downstairs at the Tahoe Forest Multispecialty Clinics through October 31st. They will be moved to the Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City and displayed starting November 3rd.

This event highlights the region’s growing movement to celebrate and protect dark skies, raising awareness of the environmental, cultural, and health benefits of reducing light pollution.

The Importance of Dark Skies

This contest complements efforts across Nevada County to reduce light pollution and protect night sky views. Over-illumination obscures celestial visibility interferes with natural ecosystems and disrupts wildlife behavior.

Residents are encouraged to take action by minimizing unnecessary nighttime lighting, installing downward-facing fixtures, and taking advantage of the Town of Truckee’s lighting rebate program for sustainable, dark sky–compliant fixtures.

Text reading, \"What is the Dark Skies Movement?\"

To restore nighttime environment & protect wildlife & communities from increased light pollution.

Light pollution disrupts ecosystems that birds, predators and insects rely on.

Brighter lighting is associated with reduced and dissatisfied sleep, harming human health.

21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. $3.3 billion wasted by lights that aren't shielded.

Turn off unused interior lights & exterior lights by 10pm. Use dark friendly lights & motion sensors