The Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative began in 2021 with the goal of establishing an International Dark Sky Park incorporating Wildcat Mountain State Park, Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Tunnelville Cliffs in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin.  By the time the application process was completed in the fall of 2023, regional light pollution had skyrocketed more than 50%, making the land ineligible for Dark Sky Park status.  It became apparent that regional lighting changes, especially adoption of LEDs emitting high levels of “blue” light were largely to blame. 

Undaunted, the Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative has simply geared up to change the local story by educating and empowering decision makers and residents to bring back our night.  Light pollution is rising globally, but it is also one of the easiest environmental issues to solve.  Let us show you how!