📷 Milky Manner over the Blitzen River in winter, Oregon | Peter Pearsall/USFWS
We’re excited to announce the recipient of the 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Associates, the Associates of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge (FOMR)! This annual prize acknowledges the excellent contributions of Refuge Associates teams whose initiatives foster deeper connections with their communities whereas enhancing the mission of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System.
The Associates of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge have been awarded the O’Brien Prize for his or her DarkSky Lighting Compliance undertaking. This revolutionary initiative goals to deliver the lighting on the Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge as much as DarkSky Worldwide (DarkSky) requirements, lowering gentle air pollution and making a extra wildlife-friendly setting.
In March 2024, 2.5 million acres of Oregon’s Outback in Lake County have been formally designated as a Darkish Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky. This vital designation is the primary section of a broader effort to guard and promote the biggest contiguous stretch of Darkish Skies within the decrease 48 states. The Associates of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge are dedicated to increasing this sanctuary, and their undertaking is a vital step in the direction of reaching this objective.
The DarkSky Lighting Compliance undertaking will retrofit outside lighting at numerous areas throughout the refuge, together with Refuge Headquarters, Double O, Buena Vista, and P Ranch. By changing non-compliant fixtures with people who meet DarkSky requirements, the undertaking will decrease gentle air pollution, benefiting birds, bugs, and different wildlife.
Group Engagement
A key facet of this undertaking is its give attention to constructing stronger connections inside the area people. The Associates of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge plan to coach their neighbors in regards to the significance of DarkSky compliance and encourage native companies and services to undertake related practices. Potential companions embody the Malheur Discipline Station, the Historic Frenchglen Lodge, The Narrows RV Park and Jackalope Cafe, Crystal Crane Scorching Springs, and native ranches.
Academic Part
The undertaking additionally contains an academic part to boost consciousness in regards to the worth of darkish sky habitats. For the reason that Malheur NWR is closed to the general public from nightfall to daybreak, the Associates group will set up an interpretive signal at Refuge Headquarters and distribute brochures on easy methods to cut back private gentle footprints. These supplies will assist guests and the area people perceive the importance of preserving darkish skies for wildlife.
Trying Forward
The completion of this undertaking is not going to solely improve the Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge’s compliance with DarkSky requirements but in addition function a mannequin for different refuges and communities. It aligns with FOMR’s strategic theme of constructing stronger, deeper connections and demonstrates their dedication to conservation and neighborhood engagement.
The Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation congratulates the Associates of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge on their well-deserved 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Associates. Their dedication to defending wildlife and selling conservation by means of revolutionary initiatives just like the DarkSky Lighting Compliance initiative is really inspiring.
