Why is it that, even though the nights are purest in the Upper Peninsula, all of the Dark Sky Preserves are in the Lower Peninsula?
It turns out, legislation drafted in 2012 actively prohibits Dark Sky Preserves in the Upper Peninsula.
This is a gross intrusion of government into the rights of Upper Peninsula residents to take the same steps afforded to those downstate to protect our nights. It's high time to repeal this unjust legislation.
Our Shared Heritage
Since time immemorial, humans have found great wonder and meaning in the majesty of the starry skies and northern lights, beheld in the company of those nocturnal members of our animal family to whom the night means no less than survival.
The majority of mammals, amphibians, and insects are nocturnal — along with a great many fish, reptiles, and birds — meaning that their mating, communication, predation and foraging, territoriality, reproduction, and overall persistence are highly dependent on the onset of darkness. For such creatures, the onslaught of light pollution has been the single greatest impact humans have made to the planet. Even flora, fungi, and bacteria produce melatonin — the night hormone — which is crucial for mental and physical health and even suppresses cancer. Terrestrial life itself is programmed with the need for night, and humans are no exception. But light pollution is increasing at a rate of 10% per year, and nowhere, not even the Upper Peninsula, is immune.
Help Our Cause
ProtectThePorkies is run entirely by volunteers dedicating considerable time and energy to this important cause. As a small team, we strive to make efficient and constructive use of funding. Your contributions assist greatly with our mission.
- PayPal (click the button below)
- Venmo: @ProtectThePorkies (if asked for last four digits, 6667)
You may also mail checks to this address:
PO Box 6
Wakefield, MI
49968
