Cities and communities across Connecticut are implementing local Lights Out programs. These groups are organizing to make a difference for birds, insects, ecosystems, and human health by educating the public about the harms of light pollution and advocating for improved local lighting policies.
There are a host of land trusts, garden clubs, and pollinator pathway folks here in CT who want to connect with Lights Out CT and incorporate light pollution reduction into their conservation efforts.
Please let us know if you are working on a local effort or would like to partner with Lights Out CT. You can e-mail us at contact@lightsoutct.org.
Greenwich, CT
LightsOutGreenwich was formed in March 2022. This active group is working to write explicit language for the town’s regulations and rewrite the purpose statement and how residential lighting affect business zones, and how non-residential lighting affects residential zones. Their goal is to make Greenwich’s regulations and standards comprehensible and easy to understand and therefore easy to follow.
According to local leader Myra Klockenbrink: “We, the members of LightsOutGreenwich, would like to see Greenwich follow the recommended amendments to the lighting regulations our experts have provided and educate those grandfathered with old lighting practices to update their lights to conform with the new lighting requirements. Further, we would like to see the Town follow the law the State of Connecticut adopted last year that requires all state-owned buildings to dim nonessential outdoor lights after 11pm year-round for birds. (See Act 23-143, formerly HB 6607).”
Download & share the LightsOutGreenwich Flyer.
Watch the LightsOutGreenwich Presentation, held at the Perrot Library on April 26, 2023.
Local Leaders: Cynthia Ehlinger and Myra Klockenbrink.
Bridgeport, CT
A Lights Out Bridgeport initiative was formed in summer 2023. This group is working to convince Bridgeport city officials to shut off the lights at Mary’s-by-the-Sea Park, which shine all night long. They have put together a strong campaign, backed also by the Ash Creek Conservation Association, Aspetuck Land Trust, Dark Sky International CT, and Lights Out CT.
Read the OpEd published in the CT Post, on 12/28/23.
Local Leaders: Donna Curran and Pete Spain.