top of page

DARK SKY INITIATIVE

About the Initiative

The St. Martins Dark Sky Initiative celebrates the beauty of our naturally dark night skies and works to protect them for future generations. By reducing light pollution and promoting responsible lighting practices, we aim to preserve one of our region’s most breathtaking—and often overlooked—natural wonders. Whether you're stargazing on the beach, enjoying a peaceful evening walk, or capturing the Milky Way through your lens, our dark skies are a source of wonder, tourism, and environmental health. Join us as we work together to keep St. Martins glowing—naturally.

Image by Ryan Hutton
DarkSky-International-logo-stacked-whitetext-3-SM-563x600px.png

Our goal is for Fundy St Martins to become a recognized International Dark Sky Community.

The purpose of this dark sky accreditation is to:

  • Support safety

  • Reduce glare & light spill

  • Protect night skies

  • Applies mainly to new or replaced lighting

  • Encourages shielded, downward-facing lights

  • Sets a 3000K maximum colour temperature

  • Allows security, emergency & event lighting

What is light pollution?

Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally

fi-blackout-before-after-FPO.jpg

What are the effects?

Light pollution disrupts wildlife, impacts human well-being, wastes money and energy, contributes to climate change, and blocks our view of the universe.

A growing body of evidence links the brightening night sky directly to measurable negative impacts on:

What can be done about light pollution?

Following responsible lighting practices, passing dark sky friendly legislation, and advancing scientific research in this field are just some of the ways light pollution can be solved. You can get involved too!

shielded-vs-unshielded-bad-better-best-2023.jpg

Fundy St Martins Dark Sky Initiative In the Media

CTV_News.png

CTV National News: Astrotourism gaining popularity in
southern N.B.

cbc.png

In a world of light
pollution, this starry spot could become a top tourist destination

cbclisten.png

Information Morning - Saint John with Emily Brass: Astrotourism growing in our region

CTV_News.png

Inside New Brunswick's ambituous plan for the world's densest dark-sky corridor

cbc.png

Dark-sky corridor could protect Fundy’s exceptional viewing conditions while boosting tourism

Global_News.png

N.B. community aims
to be designated
dark sky
observatory zone

For media inquiries please contact:
Shannon

506-647-2041

darksky@stmartinscanada.com

bottom of page