The Milky Way seen from Tyler Bend at Buffalo National River/NPS, C. Littlejohn

Buffalo National River has been designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it the 26th unit of the National Park System with the designation.

The designation came from the non-profit International Dark-Sky Association , which works with governments, communities, and city planners to help reduce impacts to natural night skies where possible. The park’s work to promote the protection of Buffalo National River’s natural nighttime environment as a resource to be enjoyed by visitors is what inspired the designation. This designation does not restrict or control lighting in local communities or on private property within the park.

“Staff has worked hard to enhance visitors’ opportunities to experience the wonder of a natural night sky by lowering the park’s use of artificial light at night. The Buffalo River area is a destination for experiencing outstanding natural and cultural resources and the natural night sky is an essential element of those resources," said Buffalo River Superintendent Mark Foust.

Beginning in 2016, park staff and volunteers began inventorying the park’s light fixtures and bulbs. Since then Buffalo National River, located in northern Arkansas, has been working toward reducing its light footprint by installing light bulbs that are more efficient and exterior light fixtures that point light directly downward.

“Many of the changes were easy to do and did not cost extra, but it took the insight and work of a dedicated staff and several volunteer groups to recognize what could be done and make the changes,” Foust said. “Buffalo National River would not have been able to achieve this special status without the support of astronomical groups from across Arkansas. The park would like to thank the Arkansas Natural Sky Association, Central Arkansas Astronomical Society, North Central Arkansas Astronomical Society and the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society for their support with data collection and interpretive programming over the last two years. The expertise that these groups provided was invaluable.”

On June 29, the park will host a Star Party at Tyler Bend Pavilion from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The event will include an educational astronomy program and an opportunity for all visitors to observe the night sky through binoculars and telescopes. Park staff will also host weekly night sky programs this summer at Buffalo Point.