March 2023 Newsletter
Dark Sky Designation underway
Last week all of Western Canada was abuzz, sharing photos and stories of the spectacular display of Northern lights that lit our night sky. It seems timely then, to announce that NaramataSlow is actively working towards achieving certification as an IDA International Dark Sky Community. This prestigious designation is awarded to towns, cities, municipalities, and other legally organized communities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to preserving the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of quality outdoor lighting regulations, citizen education and support for dark skies.
Dark Sky Communities are at the forefront of promoting responsible lighting practices and serve as examples for other surrounding communities. By seeking certification, Naramata is making a significant effort to become a leader in dark sky stewardship.
To ensure we meet the requirements for certification, we are in the process of obtaining an instrument to document current light pollution readings as our baseline. Additionally, we are actively seeking an enthusiastic amateur astronomer to assist us in this quest. If you have a passion for the stars and would like to contribute to our efforts, please contact us at: naramataslow@gmail.com.
5 things homeowners can do right now to decrease light pollution and protect the night sky:
Install fully shielded light fixtures: Fully shielded light fixtures direct the light downward where it is needed, rather than scattering it in all directions. This helps reduce light pollution by minimizing unnecessary light spillage into the night sky.
Use motion sensors and timers: Motion sensors and timers can be used to turn lights on only when they are needed, rather than keeping them on all night. This can significantly reduce the amount of light pollution generated by a property.
Choose warm-colored LED bulbs: Warm-colored LED bulbs have a color temperature of 2700K or lower and emit light that is more yellow or orange in color. They are less disruptive to nocturnal animals and have a lower impact on the night sky than cooler-colored bulbs with higher color temperatures.
Install window coverings: Window coverings such as blinds or curtains can help prevent indoor lights from contributing to light pollution. Closing the curtains at night can help block out excess light and prevent it from spilling out into the night sky.
Support local dark sky initiatives: Supporting local dark sky initiatives, such as those led by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), can help raise awareness about light pollution and encourage communities to take action to protect the night sky. Homeowners can get involved by participating in local dark sky events, supporting dark sky legislation, and advocating for dark sky-friendly lighting practices in their communities.
To learn more about the importance of preserving dark skies, we recommend reading IDA's informative brochure, "Protect the Night."
And for those who are ready to explore our night skies, we suggest using the SkyView and My Aurora Forecast apps, as well as the EarthSky Meteor Shower Guide. Happy star gazing!
Save the Date
Earth Day is April 22, 2023
NaramataSlow and the Naramata Citizens Association are proud to announce a full slate of exciting activities taking place throughout the village to celebrate Mother Earth. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Grab a coffee and start the day with your neighbors and the Naramata Community Association as we tackle the Global clean up of our community spaces and the invasive weed pull.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the OAP barbecue and garage sale, a beloved community tradition that brings together friends and neighbours for a delicious outdoor meal as well as giving us an opportunity to reuse and recycle items we no longer have use for and keep them out of our landfill.
Another must-see event is the Dark Sky star gazing experience, where attendees can enjoy a night of stargazing with expert astronomers and learn about the importance of preserving our night skies. This event is perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves to look up at the stars.
For those interested in sustainable fashion, be sure to check out the Clothing Library, which offers a unique opportunity to exchange and borrow clothing. The library is stocked with gently used items, and it's a great way to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
We're also having a bike repair clinic and collecting donations of used bicycles to give them a new life and promote cycling as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. If you have an old bicycle that you no longer need, please consider donating it to our cause.
In addition to these activities, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn about sustainable living practices, including composting information and the construction of bat houses. You can also purchase seeds for your own garden and attend a series of informative lectures on various environmental topics.
We hope to see you at these exciting events as we come together to celebrate and honor Mother Earth. And if you're someone who loves to fix things and wants to contribute to our community efforts, we'd love to hear from you. Please don't hesitate to contact us at naramataslow@gmail.com. Stay tuned for the full schedule of events in the coming weeks!
Naramata Farmer's Market 2023
Mark your calendars! The Naramata Slow Market is back and better than ever. Starting June 7th and running through September 27th, 2023, every Wednesday from 4-7 pm, we'll be at the beautiful Manitou Beach Park, showcasing the best of local food and farms.
We're excited to offer an exceptional shopping experience that supports our community's farmers and producers. From fresh produce and artisanal wine to handcrafted goods and more, there's something for everyone at the Naramata Slow Market.
We're still looking for a few food and farm vendors to join us this year. If you're passionate about locally sourced food and want to be a part of our vibrant community, we'd love to hear from you. And if you're interested in volunteering your time to help make the market a success, we welcome your support as well.
To learn more about becoming a vendor or volunteering at the Naramata Slow Market, please email us at naramataslowmarket@gmail.com.
Kevin's Korner
What’s Irish and comes out during March?
Paddy O’Furniture
Interested in getting involved?
Drop us a line at naramataslow@gmail.com
Follow Naramata Slow on Facebook and Instagram or visit NaramataSlow.com.
NaramataSlow is part of the International CittaSlow Society. Our goal is to raise awareness & create conversations around Naramata’s designation as a Cittaslow Community.
Naramata is only one of 3 communities in Canada to receive the Cittaslow designation from Italy.
