Highlights of 2023 Events Not to Be Missed! 

Wed, Apr 27, 2022 (7-8:30 pm) - It's Time for Lights Out, for the sake of our birds and our own

SIGN UP for zoom info:  TinyURL.com/LightsOutPanel

The Miami skyline at night is quite an attraction, but that bright dome of artificial light that spreads miles over ocean and land, making clouds white at night, is hurting our resident and migratory birds and wildlife that interact with them. Light pollution over Miami-Dade and the Greater Everglades will continue to worsen unless we begin treating the night environment as worthy of protection and restoration as our waters, our wetlands, our corals, our air, and our climate. Sierra Miami Group is hosting a discussion with people tackling this growing problem. After brief presentations, the panel will engage attendees, answer Qs and discuss ways to get involved in tackling light pollution, helping wildlife, protecting sensitive habitats, and supporting ecologically smart growth in Miami-Dade and across the Greater Everglades - day and night.  Moderator:  Jenny Staletovich, Environmental Reporter, WLRN  /  Speakers:  Travis Longcore, PhD, Science Director, The Urban Wildlands Group, co-author of 2004 landmark publication “Ecological Light Pollution”; Brian Rapoza, Field Trip Coordinator & Board Director, Tropical Audubon Society;  Hannah McDougall, Director of Communications, Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. (Click HERE for more details & bios of our panel).

Sat, Apr 30, 2022 (6-10p) - Park After Dark at Everglades National Park at Shark Valley

Everglades National Park is hosting a Park After Dark open house by the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Park visitors will enjoy: (1) stargazing via telescopes; (2) educational stations to learn about light pollution, its impacts, and solutions; (3) nocturnal rambles down the Bobcat Boardwalk Trail and the paved tram path; (4) wildlife nocturnal sounds and starry skies (weather permitting ;). Formal programming starts at 7p. Bring appropriate clothing, insect repellant, and if possible, red-tinted lights to reduce night blindness. Restrooms & drinking water will be available. Bring your own snacks. Follow Leave No Trace principles. For directions, click here. Pet rules are here. Park entrance gates will remain open during the event. Entrance fees may apply. For Qs, call 305-221-8776.

Apr 22-29, 2022 - Homestead Cybrarium Night Sky Programs

Discover the night by attending programs that engage visitors of all ages to learn more about astronomy and the impacts of light pollution. Homestead residents are eligible for a free Cybrarium card, as well as those who own property, own a business, work, or attend school in Homestead. Miami-Dade Co residents are also eligible. Others may obtain a Cybrarium card for a $65 annual fee. For hours, directions and how to obtain a Cybrarium card, visit:  the Cybrarium website.  Refer to flier for programming details.

Fri, Apr 22 (4-5p) - Watching the Stars - The Hubble Telescope (a dynamic documentary film projected on the stage)

Sat, Apr 23 (10a-5p) - Celestial Arts Table (fun decorating stars and planets all day with arts and crafts). 

Tue, Apr 26 (5-7p) - Virtual Reality Space Night (on-demand at VR Cube, soar through the cosmos, walk on the moon, and see inside the ISS)

Fri, Apr 29 (2-4p) - Losing the Dark (short video about light pollution and pamphlets on what can be done to take back our skies).

Fri, Apr 22, 2022 (7:30-9p) - Talk on Human Health & Environmental Harm of Artificial Light at Night

Visit mtn space gallery in Lake Worth Beach to meet world-renowned cardiologist Mario Motta, MD, FACC as he shares American Medical Association (AMA) and United Nations perspectives on light pollution impacts. Event is FREE. RSVP requested to ensure seating for everyone. RSVP: text Richard Stowe at 561-231-3509 or via r_stowe@yahoo.com.

Sat, Apr 24, 2021 (6-9p) - Full Moon Bike Ride at Everglades NP (Shark Valley)

Experience the Everglades at night under the glow of a full moon, listen to the night soundscape and bike away from the lights of the city. 15-mile bike ride. Bring your own bicycle. Program is ~ 3 hrs. Reservations required one week in advance. Call 305-221-8776. Details here or at the park's FB page. For directions, click here. 

Fri, Apr 16, 2021 (8-9:30p) - Night Skies at Biscayne NP (Convoy Point)

On the eve of National Park Week, come to Biscayne National Park at Convoy Point to celebrate the night sky & to learn why darkness is important for all living creatures. There will be educational ranger programs, family activities, and a special Night Explorer Jr Ranger event. Reservations required, participation will be capped at 50. Call Dante Fascell Visitor Center: (305) 230-1144. Face coverings required and safe social distancing. Wear closed, comfortable shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and bring/wear sunscreen and bug spray. The park gate will open at 7:30 p.m. for registered attendees. More info at FB page or website.

Fri, Apr 9, 2021 (8p) - Wonders of the Universe Revealed (virtual star party)

Free event by FIU Stocker AstroScience Center. RSVP HERE for zoom link. Why would an astronomer build an astronomical observatory in light-polluted Miami? Hear the fun story from the not-so-crazy astronomer (Dr. Webb) on how Stocker AstroScience Center came to be, and why it is a valuable asset to FIU students and the Miami-Dade & South Florida community. Learn about South Florida's only research-grade telescope while also learning about the issue of light pollution. Explore the cosmos and find the answer to the question: "Why did we need an observatory in a light-polluted urban area like Miami?" - Remote viewing from Stocker AstroScience Center afterward, if weather permits.

Wed, Apr 7, 2021 (6:30-7:30p) - Light Pollution & Wildlife

View webinar here. Hosted by Tropical Audubon Society. 

Learn about the impacts of light pollution on birds, bats, turtles, fireflies and other insects, as well as efforts to address this critical issue. Moderator: Paul Gray (Audubon FL)/ Panelists: Frank Ridgley (Zoo Miami); Dr. Oliver Keller (FL Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services); Brian Rapoza (Tropical Audubon Society);  Melquisedec Gamba-Rios, PhD (Bat Conservation International); Leanne Hauptman (Miami-Dade Sea Turtle Conservation Program) 

Tue, Apr 6, 2021 (6p) - FL's Worsening Light Pollution & The Urgency to Engage

Free virtual talk by Sierra Club & IDA FL. RSVP HERE for meeting link.

For copy of presentation, contact diana . umpierre @sierraclub.org

A brief introduction to the growing light pollution issues happening in Florida (esp. in SE FL), why it matters in a metropolis like Miami, and why there's an urgency for grassroots engagement. Speakers include: Diana Umpierre (Sierra Club Everglades Restoration Organizer and former board member/ president of the International Dark-Sky Association) and other invited guests. (40-min session with brief Q&A).