Bears Ears Partnership’s Dark Sky Program shares the wonders of the night sky and the importance of preserving it as a cultural and ecological resource, combining astronomy and storytelling to illustrate our place in the universe. With a fleet of high-powered telescopes and an observatory, our educators collaborate with local astronomers, agencies, and Cultural Knowledge Holders to bring all-ages dark sky programming across the region with monthly Star Parties and an annual Dark Sky Festival.
BEP’s Dark Sky Program aims to protect the night sky as part of the “earth-to-sky” epistemology of the regional Tribes, as outlined in the Bears Ears National Monument Resource Management Plan.
Our Dark Sky Program also partners with local communities on dark sky conservation projects. Bluff, Utah was designated an International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark Sky Association in July 2025, after years of collaboration between the Town of Bluff, community partners, and BEP. You can read more about the journey to protect Bluff’s Dark Skies in this article from Senior Education Director Sarah Burak.
Dark Sky Ambassadors
BEP’s Dark Sky Program trains volunteer Dark Sky Ambassadors to support ongoing preservation of invaluable dark skies in the Four Corners Region. Ambassadors are needed throughout the year, providing a fascinating and important volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in leading and supporting public star parties, and participating in light pollution monitoring.
Ambassadors are trained to operate telescopes, identify celestial features, and measure sky glow while developing cultural and scientific literacy of dark skies.
Anyone can become a Dark Sky Ambassador – you don’t need to live in Bluff, there is no minimum time requirement, and no prior experience is required. (But, an enthusiasm for late nights is appreciated!) Just bring your interest and energy! Reach out to Senior Education Director Sarah Burak about the next Dark Sky Ambassador training opportunity at