Town of Frisco Hosts Bird Migration Event as Part of Dark Sky Programing

Community members are invited to the Frisco Adventure Park Day Lodge on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6:00 pm for the first DarkSky outreach event. The Town of Frisco and Richard O’Brien with Darksky Colorado will be presenting an educational opportunity to learn about bird migration and the effects of light pollution on migrating birds. Richard O’Brien will highlight ways to help migratory birds by limiting artificial outdoor lighting, as we head into the peak spring bird migration season, which occurs during the months of April and May. Light drinks and snacks will be provided for those in attendance.

Staff will be available to answer any questions regarding the International DarkSky Community Certification Frisco is pursuing. Community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback that will shape the Town’s lighting code and learn more about how the DarkSky certification will impact residents, visitors, and businesses.

Upcoming Dark Sky Events

Summer Solstice – Pop-up in the Park

• Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
• Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
• Location: Frisco Historic Park

Perseid Meteor Shower – Park After Dark

• Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
• Time: 9:00pm – 11:00pm
• Location: Frisco Historic Park

Background on DarkSky

In 2023, local DarkSky advocates reached out to Town staff to encourage Frisco to consider pursuing an International Dark Sky Communities certification through DarkSky International. In March 2024, Frisco Town Council gave staff direction to begin the process of pursuing the application. In August 2024, the Town received written confirmation of eligibility to continue in the International DarkSky Community application process.

The International Dark Sky Places Program focuses on protecting dark skies and the nighttime environment and is rooted in local advocacy. Those looking to get certified must meet a rigorous set of guidelines, whose actions and stewardship improve the night sky and environment. The Town of Frisco is pursuing the International Dark Sky Communities certification, which is available to towns, cities, municipalities, or any other organized communities. These communities must show dedication to preserving the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of light policies, education programs, and support from community members. There are four criteria the Town of Frisco must meet as part of the application process:

1. Management: A light policy must be adopted
2. Nighttime Public Access: Public outreach events are available to all community members
3. Night Sky Quality: Monitoring the night sky quality to assess changes in light pollution/improvements
4. Resources: Demonstrates commitment and quality lighting by:
   • Retrofitting all lights owned by the Town within five years
   • Encouraging residents and businesses to participate in Dark Sky
   • Providing examples of successful light pollution control with private lighting or new development
   • Presenting opportunities to learn and engage with the nocturnal environment

Dark Skies, Not Dark Ground

Dark Sky initiatives and certifications are not about making towns dark. Rather, this is about having a dark sky and not dark ground, which cannot be achieved by turning off all the lights. Instead, there are five principles that will be used to make Frisco’s skies darker:

1. Useful: Use light only when and where it is needed.
2. Targeted: Direct light downward and use shielding to minimize spill.
3. Low Level: Use the lowest brightness necessary.
4. Controlled: Utilize timers or motion sensors to reduce unnecessary lighting.
5. Warm-colored: Prefer warmer tones to limit blue light emissions.

More Information

To learn more about DarkSky International and the International Dark Sky Communities certification, visit the DarkSky website or contact Emma Heth, Town of Frisco Community Development Planner II, at EmmaH@townoffrisco.com.