By Megan Wehring
DRIPPING SPRINGS — The city launched ‘Lights Out Dripping Springs’ to help birds migrate.
Millions of birds, from hummingbirds to geese, migrate across North America every year — mostly at night. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take a pledge to turn off exterior lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Sept. 5 through Oct. 29 and March 15 through June 15. City council has also proclaimed August through October and March through May as Lights Out Migratory Months.
Dripping Springs commences this annual program to help birds make it to their destinations safely. Lights Out Dripping Springs is part of Audubon’s national initiative, established in 1999 to protect birds from light pollution. By turning off excess lighting during the months migrating birds are flying overhead, communities can help provide them safe passage between their nesting and wintering grounds.
Dripping Springs residents should follow these guidelines during these guidelines:
• Turn off exterior decorative lighting.
• Use light only when and where needed.
• Use only as much light as needed.
• Aim needed lights downExtinguish pot and floodlights.
• Minimize blue light emissions. Use energy efficient lighting sources and fixtures.
• Use timers, dimmers and motion sensors.
• Select warm LED bulbs that are under a 3,000 Kelvin rating.
• Draw blinds or curtains to reduce light spill that contributes to sky glow.
• Turn off interior lighting especially on higher stories.
• Businesses can substitute task and area lighting for workers staying late or pull window coverings and reduce atrium lighting wherever possible
The Lights Out Dripping Springs Pledge can be found here: https://www.cityof drippingsprings.com/night-sky/pages/lights-out-dripping-springs.
