Spring Lake Beach Retreat

11/15/2024

10/12/2024

Dark sky = safe birds

Here are five dark sky tips to help keep birds safe:

1. Use outdoor lighting only if needed. Do you really need Christmas lights strung up on your back deck in the middle of March? Consider your needs, and weigh those against the impact on birds, wildlife and your stargazing neighbors.

2. Use targeted lighting. Do you want to highlight a cool landscape feature in your yard? Or light up your porch at night for late arrivals? Think carefully about the purpose of your lights and plan accordingly. For example, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Washington aims their security lights downward, which adds light and protect birds. The refuge has also added collision film to their office windows to help prevent bird collisions.

3. Turn outdoor lights to the lowest level possible. Your security lights don’t need to light up the entire neighborhood, just the area around your house. If you can’t change the type of light you have, then adding shields or glare guards can help.

4. Add controlling features to your lights. How about dimmable mood lighting on your back deck for dinner parties? Or timers so that your lights only come on at certain times of day? Switches with light sensors can often be set so that lights only turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. Another suggestion: Replace all-night security lights with motion sensor lights.

5. Use warm-colored outdoor lights. Choose warm-colored LED lights over bright white halogens. They’re safer for birds, better for your electric bill and easier on the eyes.

USFWS art: Lev Levy

10/10/2024

10/09/2024

It can be easy to see wild animals in our backyards and public areas and think that they are just like our pets at home. It might even be tempting to sneak one of these critters a snack. But feeding wild animals, whether on purpose or by accident, can be harmful to their health and ours. Read on to....

10/05/2024

Join us for a g*thering that celebrates the art and soul of fishing through storytelling on Saturday, October 19 from 4-6pm. Through poetry, stories and music, local fishermen paint vivid pictures of their experiences on the open waters. Don't miss this unique opportunity to dive deep into the heart of fishing culture.