Embedded Files
We have an office!
We have an office!
The Western Slope DarkSky Coalition is excited to share that we have officially secured office and storage space at the West End Economic Development Center (WEEDC) in Naturita. This marks an important milestone for our growing coalition and strengthens our ability to serve communities across the Western Slope.
Having a dedicated office gives us a stable home base for outreach, education, and collaboration. It also provides a welcoming space where residents, partners, and visitors can learn about natural darkness, responsible lighting, and the region’s International Dark Sky Places.
We’re grateful to the WEEDC for supporting our mission and helping us deepen our roots in the West End. We look forward to opening our doors in the coming weeks and continuing to build a future where our communities, wildlife, and night skies can thrive together.
Western Slope DarkSky Coalition Receives Funding from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Western Slope DarkSky Coalition Receives Funding from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
The Western Slope DarkSky Coalition is honored to announce that we have received grant funding from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). This support strengthens the foundation of our growing work across the Western Slope and helps us continue building community‑driven programs that protect natural darkness, support rural towns, and enhance quality of life for residents and wildlife alike.
CHFA’s investment allows us to expand our outreach, deepen partnerships, and provide resources to communities working toward responsible lighting, dark‑sky certification, and long‑term environmental stewardship. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to rural Colorado and for recognizing the importance of dark‑sky preservation as part of a thriving, resilient region.
Thank you, CHFA, for believing in our mission and helping us continue this work with care, collaboration, and purpose!
Meet our growing team!
Meet our growing team!
WSDSC proudly welcomes Olivia Bobbitt as the new Executive Director! Olivia brings enthusiasm, strategic vision, and a deep passion for protecting the region’s natural night skies. Her leadership centers on community education, darksky stewardship, and advancing DarkSky International model lighting codes across the Western Slope.
Olivia emphasizes that "Protecting natural darkness is about health, connection, and shared humanity, not just visibility. The importance of educating communities about how artificial light affects wellbeing, ecosystems, and cultural connection to the night sky." She envisions the Western Slope as a model for darksky preservation and astrotourism, inspiring other regions to follow.
To Reach out to Olivia please email westcoloradodarksky@gmail.com
New Instagram and Facebook Page! Please follow us!
Growth in Colorado’s Dark Sky International Movement
Colorado now has 19 certified Dark Sky Places, including 7 DarkSky Communities. More than 35 additional applications are currently in the pipeline statewide. WSDSC continues to support Western Slope places in applying for, achieving, and maintaining DarkSky International certification.
Coalition members are increasingly being published in local newspapers, sharing educational and inspiring writing about the night sky. These pieces help raise awareness, deepen community connection, and highlight the importance of natural darkness across the Western Slope.
President Deb Stueber
Page 2 & 4 - https://www.sanmiguelbasinforum.com/stories/december-17-2025,97202
Executive Director Olivia Bobbitt
Page 4 https://www.sanmiguelbasinforum.com/stories/december-17-2025,97202,
Page 1 & 7 https://www.sanmiguelbasinforum.com/stories/december-31-2025,99067
Looking Ahead
With new leadership, expanding programs, and international momentum, WSDSC enters the new year with optimism and renewed commitment to protecting the night skies.
Google Sites
Report abuse