Muskoka Heritage Foundation promotes the efficient use of dark sky compliant lighting to reduce the deterioration of the visibility of Muskoka’s night sky.
MHF supports the creation of Dark Sky reserves.
Muskoka Heritage Foundation director Peter Goering in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1999 developed the dark sky designation, with support from the Muskoka Ratepayers Association, Muskoka Lakes Association and the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The growing awareness of light pollution of the night sky and the inability of large sectors of the population to experience and enjoy astronomical events created a demand for an area where the dark sky can be preserved.
Torrance Barrens – Dark Sky Reserve
The Torrance Barrens, 1990 hectares of crown land south-east of Bala, is a Conservation Reserve which is administered by the Province of Ontario. The first of its kind in Canada, the Torrance Barrens was officially recognized as a Dark Sky Reserve in 1999. Learn more.
Ecology of the night symposium
The “Ecology of the Night” symposium took place from September 22-24, 2003 and brought together astronomers, ecologists, politicians, academics, indigenous peoples, theologians, government agencies, lighting engineers and manufacturers to talk about issues surrounding the problem often referred to as “light pollution.” Ecology of the Night.
A number of prominent agencies and organizations placed their full support behind the project. The list includes Parks Canada, FedNor, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Muskoka Heritage Foundation, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, The Woodland Cultural Centre, SkyNews Magazine, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Ontario Parks, and the International Dark-Sky Association.
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