Artificial light at night (ALAN) is one of the fastest-growing forms of environmental change, yet it is underrepresented in conversations about conservation. Take a deep-dive with Astronomer Diane Turnshek and explore how excess nighttime lighting affects the ecosystems that native plants depend upon. You will examine how artificial light can disrupt pollinator behavior, alter insect populations, shift bird migration patterns, affect amphibians and mammals and interfere with predator-prey relationships. Research also shows that light pollution can change flowering times, leaf retention and seasonal growth. This program is for anyone who cares about native plants, ecological gardening and habitat restoration.
Take part in our flexible online learning offerings. Join live to participate in our online learning community or watch after as your schedule allows. All registrants will receive a recording of the class with access to view the class for 30 days after the live session.
This program takes place online Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
š„¬ Certificate of Attendance for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available
š„¬ New class
š„¬ Online
About the Instructor:
Diane Turnshek is an astronomer at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Her light pollution research focuses on measuring the light of cities with drones, aircraft, satellites and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. She cares about the earth below as much as the sky above and runs tours of her sustainable tiny house in eight acres of woods in the city of Pittsburgh, PA (that includes morel mushroom patches).
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