The City of Cottonwood has become the newest addition to the International Dark-Sky Places Program, as an International Dark Sky Community. In an effort to continue to promote and protect our dark skies, it has been a mission of the City to obtain this designation since 2016. Working with the community as a whole, the City of Cottonwood has become the 23rd designated dark sky community in the world. The State of Arizona now accounts for 6 of those dark sky communities, with 4 of the 6 communities located in the Verde Valley: Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Camp Verde and now Cottonwood.
Light pollution effects the world as a whole, not only does it disrupt the natural day-night pattern but it also has negative impacts on the eco system, wildlife, and human health. Committing to being a dark sky community not only benefits the City but the surrounding communities.