Stargaze on a Quilt: Light Pollution, Dark Skies, and Quilting with Sarah Martin

<p>Note: This episode was originally recorded before our rebrand, so you'll hear references to Quilt Scouts throughout the conversation. Quilt Scouts is now Quiltbound, but the projects, tips, and creative adventures we share are just as relevant today. Thanks for being here, and welcome to Quiltbound!<br /><br />In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Martin, Chief Development Officer at Dark Sky International, a global nonprofit working to reduce light pollution and restore our connection to the night sky.<br /><br />We talk about:<br />• What light pollution actually is<br />• The five principles of responsible outdoor lighting<br />• How artificial light impacts wildlife and even scientific discovery<br />• How to find International Dark Sky Places around the world<br />• Simple ways to advocate for darker skies in your own neighborhood<br /><br />Resources Mentioned in This Episode<br />Dark Sky International Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://darksky.org" target="_blank">https://darksky.org</a><br /><br />Find a local chapter: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://darksky.org/who-we-are/chapters/" target="_blank">https://darksky.org/who-we-are/chapters/</a><br /><br />Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://darksky.org/resources/guides-and-how-tos/lighting-principles/" target="_blank">https://darksky.org/resources/guides-and-how-tos/lighting-principles/</a><br /><br />International Dark Sky Places interactive map: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/" target="_blank">https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/</a><br /><br />Community advocacy toolkits: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://darksky.org/what-we-do/advancing-responsible-outdoor-lighting/darksky-outdoor-lighting-codes/" target="_blank">https://darksky.org/what-we-do/advancing-responsible-outdoor-lighting/darksky-outdoor-lighting-codes/</a><br /><br />“How to Talk to Your Neighbor” guide: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions/lighting/my-neighbors-lighting/" target="_blank">https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions/lighting/my-neighbors-lighting/</a><br /><br />Capture the Dark Photography Contest (submissions open in June, winners announced in August) <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://darksky.org/what-we-do/events/photo-contest/" target="_blank">https://darksky.org/what-we-do/events/photo-contest/</a><br /><br />Follow on Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/darksky_org" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/darksky_org</a><br /><br />International Dark Sky Week<br />April 13–20<br /><br />Dedicated website with toolkits, trivia night guides, book display ideas, and community event resources <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://idsw.darksky.org" target="_blank">https://idsw.darksky.org</a><br /><br />Stargazing App<br />Star Guide (mobile app for identifying stars, planets, and satellites)<br /><br />Books Sarah Recommends<br />Sleepless by Annabel Abbs-Streets<br />Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion<br /><br />Want to Keep the Adventure Going?<br /><br />The Quiltbound Badge Club is an online membership for adventurous quilters who want more creativity, confidence, and connection — one badge at a time.<br /><br />👉 Learn more and join here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://quiltbound.com" target="_blank">https://quiltbound.com</a></p>