Joshua Tree National Park to be recognized for its dark nights and starry skies

Corinne S Kennedy

Palm Springs Desert Sun

Joshua Tree National Park will join Galloway Forest Park in Scotland, Warrumbungle National Park in Australia, Yeongyang Firefly Eco Park in South Korea and dozens of other parks across the U.S. and the world next month when it is officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

To receive the distinction, a park must possess, “an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment,” according to the International Dark-Sky Association.

Other International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. include Glacier National Park in Montana, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Capitol Reef National Park in Utah and dozens of other national and state parks and monuments.

In a release announcing the designation, park ranger Marker Marshall thanked those who helped the park achieve the honor.

“The efforts of area residents and communities to carefully choose their outdoor lighting have contributed to the park's designation at the 'silver' level,” Marshall said. “With continued local support and adherence to existing lighting ordinances along with spreading awareness throughout the area, we hope to maintain that status and even go for an upgrade to ‘gold’ in the years to come.”

A dedication ceremony will be held Aug. 12 at Copper Mountain College in Joshua Tree at 5 p.m. Speakers will include Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith, Tom O’Key of the International Dark-Sky Association and award winning photographer Wally Pacholka.

Following the dedication, which will also teach people about proper outdoor lighting, attendees are invited to find a good spot in the park to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower, which will be at its peak.

Volunteer astronomers will also be on hand with telescopes on the Utah Trail outside the north entrance to the park and at the Hidden Valley picnic area inside the park to assist those who want to watch the shower or look for other points of interest in the night sky.

During the summer months when temperatures at the park routinely get into triple digits, park staff encourage visitors to plan night hikes to beat the heat and enjoy the night sky. At a World Environment Day celebration in Palm Springs last month, park ranger Sarah Jane Pepper said visits to the park in the summer months are possible with careful planning.

Pepper provided a summer guide to the park which advised leaving pets at home, bringing plenty of sunscreen and water and planning activities for early morning or night, to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Corinne Kennedy covers the west valley for The Desert Sun. She can be reached at Corinne.Kennedy@DesertSun.com, on Twitter @CorinneSKennedy or at 760-778-4625.