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One of the iconic experiences in southwestern Nova Scotia is sitting in a farm field or by a lake and watching the Milky Way. We have some of the best sky viewing in the world.

On July 3, 2010, The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) officially designated Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site as a Dark Sky Preserve (DSP). This is the first DSP in Nova Scotia and the 12th DSP in Canada.

What is a Dark Sky Preserve?

Darks Sky Preserves are areas designated by RASC that control light pollution, that offer public observing sites for quality night sky viewing, and that have active and engaging public outreach programs about astronomy and light control. They also demonstrate leadership in light control within their facilities and the types of lights that are used.

The goal of DSP program is “... to promote the reduction in light pollution, demonstrate night-time lighting practices, improve the nocturnal environment of wildlife, protect and expand dark observing sites for astronomy, and provide accessible locations for the general public to experience the naturally dark night sky.”

It is clear that the objectives of the DSP program are directly in line with key mandate items of Parks Canada – protection, education, public outreach, and great visitor experience.

Why Kejimkujik?

Kejimkujik is an ideal DSP: in the centre of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, it is part of the largest protected wilderness in the Maritimes. Viewed on light maps of eastern North America, it is in one of the darkest locations.

Kejimkujik has great visitor facilities that are accessible year round, with various camping opportunities and an outdoor theatre. It also has excellent education staff already in place.

Kejimkujik has dual designation as a national park and a national historic site, celebrating a Mi’kmaw cultural landscape. The Kejimkujik DSP will have a strong Mi’kmaw cultural connection that highlights cultural beliefs, legends, and folklore.

What does the Kejimkujik DSP look like?

The Kejimkujik DSP is made up of 1) key observing sites, 2) a DSP core area, and 3) a buffer area that surrounds and protects the core area (see map). The Core Area is free of light pollution and includes the bulk of the wilderness of Kejimkujik. It has the highest quality night skies.

The Buffer Area protects the core area, and includes main park facilities. It will adhere to a detailed lighting strategy aimed at reducing energy consumption and light pollution.

The Public Observing Sites are all within the Core Area:

• Jeremy’s Bay primary observing site is located near the campground, and will be the main hub of visitor experience activities and programs.
• Merrymakedge Beach and the Eel Wier are secondary observing sites with strong cultural and Mi’kmaw connections.
• For true wilderness dark sky viewing, Kejimkujik has 45 backcountry campsites where you can experience the glory of a starry night in the wilderness and solitude of Keji.

Lighting Strategy

Parks Canada has identified remedial actions for problem lights in park facilities. Low cost, innovative strategies will control light pollution and reduce energy costs, but maintain safety and security:

• timers and motion detectors
• LED, full cut-off fixtures for street lights and buildings
• Reflective signage
• Screened vending machines
• Low lighting for walkways with waist-high bollard lighting instead of overhead lighting.

Some lights have already been changed in Kejimkujik. Other changes will be implemented over the coming years. In this way, Keji is working to protect forever the dark skies of this area, and ensure the ability to sit by a lake and watch the wonder of the stars above and their reflections in the lake below.

Exploring the Keji Skies

Many new programs and facilities are planned for Keji based on the night sky. Park interpreters are leading special programs with outdoor theatre programs about astronomy and nocturnal ecology, followed by guided observing sessions to explore the night sky. Astronomers from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada are also volunteering their time and expertise to share evenings of observation and learning to all visitors. Call 902 682 2772 or see www.pc.gc.ca for details of these events.

On August 7th, The Royal Astronomical Society and Kejimkujik celebrated the launch of the Dark Sky Preserve, with an official ceremony, a presentation called “How High is the Sky” and a concert by the group, Heavy Meadows. People then spent the evening and night with about 8 large telescopes looking far into the universe. Parks Canada and RASC hope to host an annual star event at Keji.

Planned activities and experiences for the future include an outdoor planetarium (or sky circle) where people can lie comfortably in a circle for guided tours of the night sky; a telescope for public viewing; backcountry solitude for night sky viewing; Mi’kmaw cultural experiences with star folklore; special events and astronomical festival; interpretive panels and keepsakes such as a visitor guide about astronomy and products from the gift store with DSP logos and resources.

Parks Canada looks forward also to local community events, events for urban audiences in Halifax, in partnership with RASC and the Dalhousie Planetarium, DSP-themed tourism packages for local businesses, and school programming. We are keen to have your ideas, involvement, and input!