Dark Sky Week (April 22-30, 2022)Copyrighted
April 18, 2022
City of Dubuque Proclamation(s) # 1.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Dark Sky Week (April 22-30, 2022)
SUMMARY: On behalf of Green IowaAmeriCorps.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Dark Sky Week Proclamation Supporting Documentation
THE Cl'I'Y Or
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
WHEREAS, birds are present in every environment — urban or rural, wetland or prairie — and they are
an ever-present reminder that nature is all around us; and
WHEREAS, twice each year, millions of birds embark on strenuous migrations between wintering and
breeding grounds through the Mississippi flyway that are many thousands of miles apart.
In North America, 70 percent of bird species migrate, and, of those, 80 percent migrate
at night, using the night sky to help them navigate; and
WHEREAS, Iowa is home to over 100 bird species here all winter, over 200 bird species that migrate
here for spring nesting, and over 100 bird species that stopover during spring and fall
migration; and
WHEREAS, most native songbirds live in grassland or forested habitats that are light -free at night.
During nocturnal migration, intense artificial lights can cause birds to collide with windows
or walls, or cause them to circle in confusion, leaving them weak and vulnerable during
their arduous journeys; and
WHEREAS, birds contribute major ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient
cycling, and pest control; for example Eastern Bluebirds can eat up to 2,000 bugs per day
and Ruby Throated Hummingbirds can visit up to 3,000 flowers per day; and
WHEREAS, Iowans enjoy and value exposure to nature, such as standing beneath a dark and awe
inspiring Iowa night sky and visiting local parks to listen and watch for birds; and
WHEREAS, across the state, Iowa's famous natural heritage, including native grassland and
woodlands, depends upon, and it supported by, a wide variety of bird species.
NOW THEREFORE, I, BRAD M. CAVANAGH, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL, STAFF AND RESIDENTS OF DUBUQUE, DO HEREBY
PROCLAIM THE WEEK OF APRIL 22-30, 2022 AS
"Dark Sky Week"
IN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA AND CALL UPON RESIDENTS OF DUBUQUE TO OBSERVE
THIS WEEK AND PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND EXPERIENCES IN AN EFFORT
TO REDUCE LIGHT POLLUTION TO PROMOTE MIGRATORY BIRD SPECIES.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Great Seal of the City of Dubuque to
be affixed this 18th day of April, 2022.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest:
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
2022: Submitted and accepted by Julia Rodewald, Green Iowa AmeriCorps Land and Water Steward,
Julia.rodewald(aD_dubuguecountyiowa.gov, 563-451-0516