Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary (locally, the “Sanctuary”) is situated on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, within Charlevoix County, Michigan. The sanctuary offers a serene expanse under a pristine night sky, encompassing 9,195.5 acres within the Wildlife Research Area, and an additional 230 acres at Miller’s Marsh.

Its remote location grants unparalleled views of celestial wonders, including meteor showers, the Northern Lights, comets, and Zodiacal light. With a documented night sky quality value routinely averaging over 21.6 magnitudes per square arcsecond using sky quality meters and broad spectrum photography, the Sanctuary boasts a deeply immersive night sky devoid of light and noise pollution, providing a captivating experience for stargazers.

Spanning a diverse range of ecosystems, Beaver Island safeguards nearly two-thirds of its 55-square-mile area through conservation efforts by various agencies and landowners. Recognized as the UNESCO Obtawaing Biosphere site, the island provides crucial habitat for migratory birds.

Driven by organizations like the Beaver Island Dark Sky Project Committee and the Beaver Island Association, along with land managers, initiatives are in place to protect the region’s night sky quality through education, outreach, and policy advocacy. WVBI Radio Station broadcasts worldwide, disseminating programming and news on night sky conservation efforts.