Bird-Friendly Communities

Lights Out Program

Save birds - Save energy - Save money
Our Lights Out program has been ongoing since 2007. It is supported by both Building Owners and Manager’s Associations (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and by the individual building staff. Lights Out is good for business and is an initiative to be proud of. 
 
Sign on: Join Lights Out by filling out this Participation Form.
 
Why Lights Out?
Most birds migrate at night and can be drawn off course by lighted structures in their flight path. Many birds are killed or injured in collisions with buildings or drop from exhaustion after circling them, reluctant to fly out of the light. Lights Out programs can dramatically reduce these collisions.

What can you do?

  • Turn off exterior decorative lighting (security lights should be left on as needed for safety)
  • Dim lobby and atrium lighting
  • Turn off interior lights – especially upper floors

When should you do it?

Turn off lights between midnight and dawn during bird migration seasons:

  • Fall: from August 15 to October 31
  • Spring: from March 15 to May 31

Sign on: 

Participation Form - building owners/managers, please complete this form

Resources:

Lights Out information sheet – print this out or share the link
Lights Out poster - print this out and post it on bulletin boards, elevators, etc. where employees will see it

Read More: 

FAQ - Lights Out
List of Participating Buildings
 
Questions?
Contact lightsoutmn@audubon.org
 

How you can help, right now