???? Milky Approach 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 Pals, the Pals of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge (FOMR)! This annual prize acknowledges the excellent contributions of Refuge Pals teams whose tasks foster deeper connections with their communities whereas enhancing the mission of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System.
The Pals of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge have been awarded the O’Brien Prize for his or her DarkSky Lighting Compliance mission. This revolutionary initiative goals to carry the lighting on the Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge as much as DarkSky Worldwide (DarkSky) requirements, decreasing mild air pollution and making a extra wildlife-friendly surroundings.
In March 2024, 2.5 million acres of Oregon’s Outback in Lake County had been formally designated as a Darkish Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky. This important designation is the primary part of a broader effort to guard and promote the most important contiguous stretch of Darkish Skies within the decrease 48 states. The Pals of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge are dedicated to increasing this sanctuary, and their mission is an important step in direction of reaching this objective.
The DarkSky Lighting Compliance mission will retrofit out of doors lighting at varied places throughout the refuge, together with Refuge Headquarters, Double O, Buena Vista, and P Ranch. By changing non-compliant fixtures with those who meet DarkSky requirements, the mission will reduce mild air pollution, benefiting birds, bugs, and different wildlife.
Group Engagement
A key facet of this mission is its deal with constructing stronger connections inside the local people. The Pals of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge plan to coach their neighbors in regards to the significance of DarkSky compliance and encourage native companies and amenities to undertake comparable practices. Potential companions embrace the Malheur Subject Station, the Historic Frenchglen Lodge, The Narrows RV Park and Jackalope Cafe, Crystal Crane Sizzling Springs, and native ranches.
Academic Part
The mission additionally consists of an academic element to boost consciousness in regards to the worth of darkish sky habitats. Because the Malheur NWR is closed to the general public from nightfall to daybreak, the Pals group will set up an interpretive signal at Refuge Headquarters and distribute brochures on easy methods to scale back private mild footprints. These supplies will assist guests and the local people perceive the importance of preserving darkish skies for wildlife.
Wanting Forward
The completion of this mission is not going to solely improve the Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge’s compliance with DarkSky requirements but additionally 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 group engagement.
The Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation congratulates the Pals of Malheur Nationwide Wildlife Refuge on their well-deserved 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Pals. Their dedication to defending wildlife and selling conservation by way of revolutionary tasks just like the DarkSky Lighting Compliance initiative is really inspiring.