Lights-Out Canton: Saving Migratory Birds 

On Tuesday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m., Canton Public Library will hold a free program to inform our community about Lights Out CT and their efforts to reduce the light pollution that particularly affects migrating birds. Since birds have long been considered an environmental indicator for healthy habitats and watersheds, steps we all might take to reduce bird deaths and stresses are of interest to everyone.

Lights Out Connecticut is a growing coalition of CT residents, businesses, schools, churches, and outdoor spaces pledging to turn off their unnecessary lighting from 11pm to 6am during peak bird migration (Sept 1-Nov 15 and Apr 1-May 31) to reduce the risks to migratory birds.  Most migratory birds journey at nighttime, navigating by the setting sun and constellations, so artificial light interferes with their migration routes, attracting and disorienting them and causing collisions. Dimming and turning off lights is a quick, easy way to support birds while saving money and helping the planet.  HB 6607, a proposed bill before the CT Legislature, would require all state-owned buildings to follow Lights Out rules.

Meredith Barges, our speaker, is co-chair of Lights Out Connecticut and a policy researcher for the Yale Bird-Friendly Building at Yale Law School.  She works toward system changes to make our cities and towns safer for migratory birds. In 2021, as an MDiv Student, she convinced Yale Divinity School to join Lights Out.  Meredith organizes bird-themed community gatherings, such as mystical bird walks and bird-themed sip n’ paints, to help raise awareness about bird conservation.

Registration is required for seating set-up. To join us please register on the library’s Upcoming Programs page, or phone us at (860) 693-5800. The library is located at 40 Dyer Avenue in Canton. If you have questions, please call/email Katie Bunn at the library, kbunn@townofcantonct.org.