Slumgullion Center is Named a Dark Sky Park

/in /by

Slumgullion Center, International Dark Sky Park, Colorado Dark Sky Place

The International Dark-sky Association recognized the 58-acre Slumgullion Center as an International Dark Sky Park.   The Slumgullion Center is in Hinsdale County, near Lake City.  Camille Richard was the head writer for the application.  Local photographer Michael Underwood and amateur astronomer Phillip Virden assisted.

“We are blessed . . . to have extraordinary dark skies for viewing the remarkable wonders of our star-filled universe,” remarked Phillip Virden. “We want to do everything possible to preserve this unique setting for our children, grandchildren, and for all future generations.”

“[The] announcement is a thrilling one,” stated International Dark-Sky Association Executive Director Ruskin Hartley. “This designation demonstrates the commitment that Lake Fork Valley Conservancy has made to protecting the night and we applaud their efforts.” 

The Slumgullion Center Dark Sky Park is currently undeveloped, so all future development will meet the standards set by the IDA. The Lake Fork Valley Conservancy is planning small group stargazing sessions and astronomy programs.  Lake City Community School will use a portable planetarium.  

Lake Fork Valley Conservancy and the Town of Lake City are part of a regional partnership with several Colorado organizations and communities, promoting dark sky awareness in the state. 

Jackson Lake State Park recognized as a Dark Sky Park

/in /by

Jackson Lake State Park in Morgan County has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association, becoming just the fifth park and eighth total location in Colorado to receive the designation and the only site located east of I-25.

Jackson Lake State Park is located in Orchard, Colorado, adjacent to the South Platte River, approximately an hour-and-a-half northeast of Denver. The park boasts 260 campsites, hiking trails, world class water recreation and fishing, a diverse wildlife population and 5,295 acres of land and water to explore. 

“It’s so exciting,” said Park Ranger Amy Brandenburg, who led Jackson Lake’s application process with the IDSP program. “It’s a new opportunity for visitors to come out and enjoy Jackson Lake.” 

“We worked with Morgan County Rural Electric Association to eliminate the large street lamps from the park and then we also did a ton of updates and elimination to the fixtures in the park itself,” Brandenburg said. “On the bathroom buildings, we removed, or changed out fixtures to be dark sky compliant. Inside of the bathrooms we also put the lighting in the shower houses on motion sensors.”

“The dedication that Amy, the Jackson Lake State Park staff, volunteers and donors have put in motion over the past four years is incredible and the transformation of their park is truly inspiring,” said Ryan Parker, IDA Colorado Chapter Chairman. “Jackson Lake is graced with dark nighttime skies, which have brought many amateur and expert astronomers to the park. Guests can take advantage of the vast, open night skies of the prairie individually, or through interpretive programs offered within the park.”