Sisters Joins Oregon’s Dark Sky Movement With Prestigious Certification

Sisters, Oregon, has been certified as an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International, making it the state’s second such community and the seventh International Dark Sky Place overall in Oregon. Sisters joins an elite list that includes Eastern Lake County (Phase 1 of the proposed Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary), Oregon Caves National Monument, the city of Antelope, Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Prineville Reservoir State Park, and Sunriver International Development of Distinction.

This prestigious designation represents years of dedication by the Sisters community to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the nighttime skies. By protecting this natural resource, the town ensures future generations can marvel at the stars while supporting wildlife that depends on darkness. The designation also paves the way for educational initiatives, lighting retrofits, and sustainable lighting practices, all while enhancing tourism—a cornerstone of Sisters’ economy.

“Advocates in Sisters have shown a strong commitment to preserving their dark night skies. Their application underscores the town’s dedication to conserving its natural night sky through proactive conservation efforts and community engagement, said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager.

“Students, advocates, and local officials have played key roles in raising awareness and enhancing community lighting, ultimately improving both night sky quality and the overall environment for residents and visitors alike. We congratulate the Sisters team on this significant achievement and are thrilled to welcome another International Dark Sky Place in Oregon.”

Nestled in central Oregon, Sisters is a picturesque western-style town of 3,475 residents surrounded by forests and the Cascade Mountains. Recreational opportunities abound, with hiking, alpine lakes, and nearby ski areas all within a three-hour drive of Portland and the Pacific Ocean. Bend, a popular recreation hub, is just 20 miles away.

The town’s geography transitions from lush Ponderosa Pine and alpine forests in the west to junipers, sagebrush, and the expansive high desert to the east. Wildlife thrives in the region, including a town herd of deer, as well as bears, cougars, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Sisters is also home to significant fish populations, such as the native interior Columbia Basin redband trout and federally listed Steelhead salmon, thanks to conservation efforts.

The area’s history began with the Paiute, Warm Springs, and Wasco peoples, who fished in Whychus Creek and gathered huckleberries in the nearby mountains. European settlers arrived in the late 1860s, establishing the town of Sisters in 1901.

Over the years, Sisters evolved from a small pioneer hub with industries like sheepherding, cattle ranching, and timber production to a thriving community known for its Western architectural charm and tourism, particularly following the development of Black Butte Ranch in the 1970s.

Sisters’ commitment to dark sky preservation began in earnest in 2000 with the launch of an astronomy program at Sisters High School. This commitment led to the city’s Dark Skies Outdoor Lighting Ordinance and extensive community engagement. Through newsletters, social media, newspaper articles, and events, the town raised awareness about light pollution. The city also established astronomy clubs, retrofitted lighting to meet certification standards, and secured support from local officials and residents. Compliance monitoring and ongoing data collection further solidify Sisters’ dedication to its night skies.

“Being able to gaze at an infinite sea of stars and feel our place in the universe has been an integral part of living in Sisters. The community values caring for and connecting with the natural world and came together to make sure the legacy of our starry skies continues,” said Rima Givot, a Sisters High School Science Teacher. “The International Dark Sky Community certification will ensure that we can continue to feel wonder as we gaze at the Milky Way on a clear night over the mountains, and feel our sense of place and connection”

Mayor Michael Preedin expressed pride in the achievement: “We tried really hard to become the first city in Oregon with the designation, but alas, Antelope became the first just weeks ago, so we will take pride in being the second. This is another accomplishment that the Sisters community can proudly enjoy. Fostering our local environment by removing light pollution is something that helps all of humanity and we are excited about the astro-tourism opportunities. What a great accomplishment!”

The mayor also credited the Sisters Astronomy Club for its pivotal role in securing the designation: “We all need to thank the people that have been working on this for years before the city and the rest of the community joined the movement, namely, the Sisters Astronomy Club, who created the momentum to see this through.”

Bill Kowalik, Ph.D., Chairperson of DarkSky Oregon, added, “The city of Sisters has now set a community standard for responsible outdoor lighting in Oregon. It’s a standard that benefits residents, visitors, and the surrounding wild environment. This international certification brings recognition to Sisters, known to visitors for culture and arts, and now globally, for environmental protection of dark skies too,”

Moving forward, Sisters plans to emphasize education about the benefits of dark sky preservation and the steps residents and businesses can take to retrofit non-compliant lighting. Outreach efforts will include newspaper articles, community events like stargazing parties, and funding assistance for lighting upgrades, ensuring that Sisters continues to lead by example in preserving its starry skies.