Shedding Light on Dark Skies: Light pollution, wildlife and the Carrickalinga story

Darkness is an often-overlooked part of the natural environment. Many native species, from birds and bats to insects and marine life, rely on natural light cycles for feeding, breeding, migration and survival. Yet light pollution is one of the fastest-growing forms of environmental change, affecting wildlife behaviour, ecosystem health, human wellbeing and our connection to the stars.

Drawing on her experience co-leading the campaign that helped Carrickalinga become Australia's first certified Dark Sky Community, Dr Sheryn Pitman will explore the causes and impacts of light pollution, with a particular focus on wildlife and biodiversity. She will share insights into how artificial light at night can disrupt ecological processes and affect human health, and discuss practical actions that individuals, communities and councils can take to create safer, more wildlife-sensitive lighting.

Protecting darkness is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to support biodiversity, improve energy efficiency and preserve the Fleurieu Peninsula's spectacular night skies. This informative presentation will show how thoughtful lighting can benefit both people and wildlife, helping ensure future generations continue to experience the wonder of a truly dark night.

When we protect the night, we protect far more than our view of the stars. We protect the countless species that depend on natural darkness to survive and thrive.

Join us at the Aldinga Arts Eco Village on Monday 9th November to learn about this pivotal Dark Skies project and get us wondering whether we could have something similar in this region?

Free event (venue gold coin donation if possible)

Please see below the speaker bio for parking information. The car park is a couple of minutes walk from the venue. Please contact us on info@flec.com.au at least a week beforehand if you require a disabled parking space.

Supported by the Fleurieu Environment Centre and Willunga Regional Environment Network - WREN

The FLEC and WREN are part of the Greater Adelaide Environment Network seeded by Green Adelaide with support from the Hills & Fleurieu Landscape Board.

About the presenter: Dr Sheryn Pitman

Sheryn has dedicated her career to fostering healthy relationships between people and the rest of nature, drawing on a multidisciplinary background spanning environmental science and management, science engagement, education, communication and the creative industries.

She currently leads the implementation of the Urban Greening Strategy with Green Adelaide and previously led the campaign to make Adelaide a National Park City with the international National Park City Foundation. Her earlier roles include leading the State's Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Landscapes programs hosted by the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia, the Inspiring South Australia program hosted by the South Australian Museum, and habitat restoration projects with Greening Australia, including projects supporting the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo.

With a 30+ year history of environmental volunteering in the Carrickalinga district of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Sheryn recently worked with local government and volunteers from the Carrickalinga Community Association to co-lead the successful campaign that saw Carrickalinga become Australia's first certified Dark Sky Community through DarkSky International.

Parking and venue map

Please park at the main Eco Village carpark at 173 Port Rd, Aldinga SA 5173 (near The Bulk Cellar and Slow Food Kitchen). Please contact us on info@flec.com.au at least a week beforehand if you require a disabled parking space.