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Why Do Connecticut's Migratory Birds Need Dark Skies?
Come learn about the incredible journeys that migratory birds make twice each year through Connecticut -- and why they need dark skies to navigate safely. This interactive presentation by Meredith Barges, Co-Chair of Lights Out Connecticut, will focus on the threats that light pollution can pose to migratory birds, insect populations, and our local ecosystems. Light pollution is a growing area of environmental concern, with recent estimates that light pollution is growing in the United States by almost 10% each year. Connecticut just passed a new law requiring lights to be shut off at state-owned buildings year round to support bird populations, but much more can be done. Together, we will explore safe, simple steps we can take at our home, business, neighborhood, and town to reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting and save money, save birds, and help protect the climate.

Meredith Barges is a vocal advocate for protecting migratory birds and the night sky through improved public policy and public awareness. She brings years of nonprofit experience to her role as co-chair of Lights Out Connecticut, a nonprofit project of the Menunkatuck Audubon Society. In 2021, she helped convince Yale Divinity School to join Lights Out, and in spring 2023, she helped lead a successful campaign to pass Public Act No. 23-143, Connecticut's "lights out law." She is co-author of Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy, published by American Bird Conservancy and Yale Law School. Meredith holds an MA in social theory from the University of Chicago and an MDiv in ecology and religion from Yale University.