By DREW REAGAN, International DarkSky Organization
ANTELOPE, Ore. — Antelope, Oregon was certified as an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International, making Antelope the first International Dark Sky Community in Oregon, and the fifth International Dark Sky Place in Oregon, joining Oregon Caves National Monument International Dark Sky Park, Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Prineville Reservoir International Dark Sky Park, and Sunriver International Development of Distinction in earning this honor.
Historic Antelope is a small rural town in north-central Oregon, committed to protecting a significant asset the town has to offer—a night sky where one can “see the Milky Way from Main Street.” Once a community known for the Rajneesh Invasion, this designation is dedicated to Antelope’s future, and the next generation, bringing recognition that Antelope has much worth protecting and celebrating, including a dark night sky, to be enjoyed today by residents and visitors alike, and preserved for future generations.
Located in the upper Antelope Valley, the city of Antelope is rich in history. On an ancient route from the John Day watershed, the upper Antelope Valley was on the route to the Great Trade Center at The Dalles and Celilo Falls on the Columbia River. The upper Antelope valley made a good resting spot along the route, and settlements in the area were common.
The discovery of gold at Canyon Creek in 1862 brought a rush of new people to the area. Within a year, nearly 10,000 fortune hunters trekked to the gold fields from The Dalles. The route then became known as The Dalles – Canyon City Wagon Road. By the 1870s, the small town of Antelope was established and was incorporated in 1901. Antelope’s population boomed and deflated over time, becoming a quiet ranching town for eight decades, home to no more than a few dozen people.
The situation changed dramatically in 1981 when the Rajneesh Movement arrived in town. With deep pockets, the Rajneesh Movement bought the nearby 64,000-acre Big Muddy Ranch on the John Day River. They also began buying up lots in the town proper. The movement aimed to create a utopia in the desert. As more Rajneesh moved to Antelope, more of the town’s original residents sold their lots and left. The movement thrived for a few years, but in 1985 it fell apart following criminal revelations.
Antelope today is a small historic community of individuals who seek quiet, peace, and modest prosperity. Antelope has experienced both boom and bust, from the gold rush of the 1860s to the Rajneesh invasion in the 1980s. Now a new chapter is opening in the history of the community, and that is to be known for, and share with visitors, its pristine dark night sky. Antelope was the first United States Postal Service established in Oregon, reflecting the code 97001.
Another first for this little town is the designation of a Dark Sky Community, being the first designated community in the State of Oregon. This designation celebrates a most prized asset of Antelope: “Where you can see the Milky Way from Main Street.”
“Advocates in Antelope have worked hard to integrate the town’s rich history with the brilliance of its dark skies, creating a unique experience that preserves the past while protecting the night for future generations. By integrating astro-tourism with the restoration of the historic Antelope School Community Center, they’re ensuring both heritage and starlight shine bright for years to come. We are excited for the community of Antelope and look forward to future collaboration for the benefit of residents, wildlife, and visitors alike,” remarked Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places Program Manager.
With significant support from DarkSky Oregon, the city of Antelope undertook a comprehensive series of initiatives to earn its Dark Sky Community certification. They adopted a new outdoor lighting ordinance and installed a sky quality data logger, along with conducting periodic hand-held measurements at representative locations, accumulating 16 months of data, scientifically documenting the darkness of their night sky. An outdoor lighting inventory was conducted, non-compliant and nonessential streetlights were removed, and the remaining streetlights were replaced with Dark Sky Approved fixtures in collaboration with the local electrical utility provider.
The city revised its website to include dark sky resource materials and updated notifications, hosted public star parties, and organized community outreach events to educate the public about intrusive lighting and provide educational materials. A resource table at the Community Center was set up during public events, offering dark sky materials and approved light bulbs, and additional educational materials were posted in public locations, including local post office bulletin boards. Free DarkSky Approved outdoor light bulbs were distributed to residents, and three telescopes were received from the Rose City Astronomers Club to support outreach and engagement. Additionally, the city partnered with 13 individuals and entities to provide support letters for the designation application.
These efforts had three primary goals, to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the natural night environment, to promote dark sky-friendly practices, and to put Antelope on the map as an example to inspire other communities who treasure and desire to protect their beautiful night sky.
“As a resident deeply invested in the welfare and future of our town, I believe that preserving our natural nightscapes is of utmost importance. I also believe there is great benefit to the lives of the residents in town. The pristine beauty of our night sky offers unparalleled opportunities for stargazing and experiencing the wonders of the cosmos” – Sarah Hartenstein.
“The unobstructed views of the stars and the Milky Way are not just a visual treat; they are a profound reminder of the vastness and beauty of our universe. This unique aspect of our community is a key element of our local charm and quality of life” – Jeffery Violet.
“As the area’s State Representative, I am deeply excited about the potential benefits this designation could bring not only to Antelope, but to the entire region, and the State of Oregon” – Representative Greg Smith, District 57.
“I was present years ago in Antelope and observed the Rajneesh invasion of this beautiful area. I’m very happy to have played a role in the re-making of Antelope and have greatly enjoyed working with the Antelope community on this dark sky certification effort” – Michael McKeag, DarkSky Oregon, Board Member.
“We are excited to support the city of Antelope in being the first town in Oregon to be designated with Dark Sky Community status and we are proud of the steps that community members are taking to preserve and protect the local environment” – Jim Todd, Director of Space Science Education, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
The city of Antelope plans to continue its efforts to preserve and enhance its night sky. This includes expanding public education programs to raise awareness about the benefits of dark skies, promoting responsible outdoor lighting practices, and engaging with local businesses and residents to maintain the standards that earned this designation. The city also aims to attract astronomy enthusiasts, eco-tourists, and public events that highlight the beauty of the night sky, further fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Additionally, Antelope plans to work with surrounding areas to expand dark sky initiatives and protect the region’s natural nocturnal environment.
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