May 9, 2025
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Mississippi Valley Conservancy and the Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative are proud to jointly announce the presentation of the Conservation Excellence Award to the town of Liberty in Vernon County, recognizing their visionary leadership in protecting wildlife and natural resources through pioneering efforts to reduce light pollution.
The town of Liberty has long been a regional leader in preserving dark skies. In March 2005, the Town’s board of directors made a landmark decision to enact one of the first local ordinances regulating outdoor lighting—well before light pollution was widely understood as an environmental issue. Their early action set a powerful precedent in the region.
Building on this legacy, the town of Liberty’s current board has recently taken bold, forward-thinking steps to update the ordinance, reflecting the latest advancements in lighting technology and expanding scientific research on the harmful impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN). The revised ordinance addresses a broad spectrum of ecological concerns—from the disorientation of migrating birds to the disruption of essential behaviors in nocturnal insects and wildlife.
Reducing unnecessary light at night is increasingly recognized as essential to conserving biodiversity, particularly for species that rely on natural darkness to navigate, forage, and reproduce. Both organizations emphasize that protecting dark skies is a shared responsibility—and one that offers tangible benefits for wildlife, human communities, and future generations.
Located in the town of Liberty, Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area is one of several Conservancy-protected properties that are well-known in the county for spectacular stargazing, native prairie, and habitat for migrating and state-threatened birds.
“The town of Liberty’s efforts to protect the dark skies of our beautiful Driftless Area shows an exceptional commitment to the health of our ecosystems,” said Carol Abrahamzon, Executive Director of Mississippi Valley Conservancy, “and we are proud to recognize their dedication with our Conservation Excellence Award. They’ve set a shining example for communities across Vernon County and beyond.”
The Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative, which has collaborated closely with Liberty on strategies to reduce light pollution, also praised the town’s efforts. “The Town of Liberty’s updated ordinance is a model for rural communities striving to protect their natural heritage,” said Scott Lind, President of the KVDSI. “Dark skies are not only beautiful—they are essential for the survival of countless species and for maintaining human health and well-being.”
Mississippi Valley Conservancy and the Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative invite other municipalities to follow Liberty’s lead by adopting science-based strategies that prioritize natural darkness as a vital ecological resource.
For more information about how your community can take action to reduce light pollution, email KVDSI at info@4darkskies.org.
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