Laura Graham makes no secret of the fact that she embraces the dark side. Now, however, she’s hoping to convert the rest of the world.

Graham is the Virginia Section Leader of the International Dark Sky Association, a group dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor lighting.

The non-profit organization, founded in 1988, fights light pollution on all levels, from the streetlights in bustling urban areas to the decorative spotlights beamed up at suburban homes.

Graham, a lab technician who also runs a small Powhatan farm with her husband, said she has always been interested in astronomy and that working to preserve the sky for stargazers is her way of making a difference.

Though some might be tempted to see the cause as kooky, or perhaps even impinging on other’s rights, Graham explained that fighting light pollution is about more than just eliminating an annoyance.

Light pollution, defined by the IDA as “any adverse effect of artificial light, including sky glow, glare, light trespass, [and] light clutter,” is a bigger problem than most people realize, said Graham.

According the IDA’s website (http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do), over-lighting can negatively impact the migratory patters of birds, and confuse species that mate only in darkness. There has even been speculation that the increased levels of artificial light used at night can have a negative impact on humans, whose physiology requires a certain number of “dark” hours.

“It just messes up so many things that people don’t even know about,” said Graham of our western culture’s tendency to overuse light. “And it’s totally unnecessary.”

While she said there is still more work to be done, Graham’s efforts thus far appear to be paying off. On December 10, 2007, due largely to her efforts, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a lighting ordinance for the county.

“She was wonderful,” said Planning Commissioner David Williams, who describes the adoption of the county ordinance as beneficial to everyone involved.

Williams noted that county officials held numerous workshops before deciding to approve the ordinance, which was modeled on the one currently used by Fauquier County.

Graham’s work, he said, made the process much easier.

Graham has now turned her attention to the planned state park in Powhatan, which, as a state facility, would not be required to adhere to county rules governing lighting. But while she said she has some concerns about the parking area lighting that will be a necessity for the facility, she has also been told by park planners that the lighting used will be environmentally friendly.

While Graham said she would be thrilled to see more people take up responsible lighting practices, she is ultimately aiming for change on a grander scale. In addition to just improving the environment for both wildlife and stargazers, Graham is hoping for an actual cultural shift.

“I’ve heard it said that our culture is now centered around television,” said Graham, pointing out that people used to spend much more of their night time hours gazing at the night sky. “And I would just love to see that change.”