Oct. 18, 2001 CONTACT: John Grahame (928) 523-0927

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - David Crawford, co-founder and Executive Director of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), will speak in Flagstaff 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24. at the Assembly Hall of the Wettaw Bio-chem Building on Northern Arizona University’s north campus. The title of his talk is, "Will Our Children See the Stars?"

Prior to his talk, Crawford will present the City of Flagstaff with IDA’s designation as the world’s first "International Dark-Sky City." The award is given to identify towns and cities "with exceptional commitment to and success in implementing the ideals of dark sky preservation and/or restoration, and their promotion through quality outdoor lighting." City Council member Penny Trovillon will accept the award on behalf of the city.

Coconino County Supervisor Paul Babbitt will also be recognized for his long support of dark skies through quality lighting in his role both as former mayor of Flagstaff and his current role as Chairman of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.

Since 1998, Crawford has led the IDA, a tax-exempt non-profit organization. IDA’s goals are to build awareness of the problems of light pollution as it affects astronomy and the public, and to promote quality outdoor lighting. Its nearly 8000 members are succeeding in bringing the problem of the loss of our nighttime skies to the attention of both the public and government entities worldwide.

Crawford is encouraged by the progress being made over the last ten years. In communities like Flagstaff and elsewhere there are starting to be more good lighting fixtures, greater use of quality outdoor lighting, and in some places even darker skies.

There is also an increasing awareness by many organizations and individuals of the problems and of the solutions. "As you look around you still see a vast amount of bad lighting, "says. Crawford. "There is still a lot to do, but we are moving in the right direction."

Crawford and his wife travel a great deal, attending meetings, giving talks, and networking. Crawford recently attended meetings in Canada, Italy, Switzerland, and Istanbul. "Essentially everyone is saying the right things," says Crawford. "Let's get rid of glare, help visibility and safety with the use of only good lighting, and minimize sky glow… Progress is being made. I am optimistic for the long haul, though there is a vast amount of work to be done."

This event is part of Celebration of the Night, a five-week series of events celebrating northern Arizona’s beautiful dark nighttime skies. Organized by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, sponsors include Flagstaff Live!, the Center for Sustainable Environments at NAU, Flagstaff Cultural Partners, the City of Flagstaff Arts and Science Commission, and the International Dark-Sky Association.

.Crawford’s lecture is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, contact John Grahame at 523-0927.