Home and Garden Guide
What is this page?
This page is maintained by the BDCA’s Parks and Open Spaces Committee as a one-stop resource to help our community create healthy gardens, sustainable landscapes, and vibrant green spaces right here in Berwyn. We’ve organized this guide into helpful sections with practical steps that residents can take to make Berwyn an even more beautiful and environmentally friendly place to call home. This is a living resource, and we welcome your input! If you have recommendations, local insights, or additional resources to share, let us know—we’d love to keep this guide growing with the community. You can contact us at bdca-parks@myberwyn.org.
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any external resource, link, or reference in this guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the BDCA. We do not endorse any specific organization, business, product, or service mentioned on this page. Users are encouraged to independently verify the accuracy and suitability of any information before making decisions based on these resources.
"Catskills Fireflies 2012" by s58y is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN)
Artificial light at night poses significant challenges to bird and insect populations. Migrating birds in the spring and fall are disoriented by ALAN. They are drawn into urban areas where they face increased risks of collision with buildings or waste energy flying around and calling out in confusion. In addition, ALAN significantly affects nocturnal insect populations. Studies across the globe have shown that, on average, the abundance of insects at night is 31% higher than during the day! And ALAN directly interferes with the development, movement, foraging, and reproductive success of these nocturnal insects, contributing to the dramatic decrease in insect populations worldwide.
So, what can you do here in Berwyn to help our bird and insect populations?
The simplest action…Turn out the lights! Especially during spring and fall bird migrations, but year-round is better for our insect populations. Close your blinds when you have indoor lighting on to block ALAN from spilling out of your home.
For any outdoor lighting, follow the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting. Install motion sensors, use light fixtures that minimize light spill, and opt for warmer-colored bulbs.
Experience the beauty and wonder of a darker environment. For example, look out your window at night to witness the fireflies floating through your backyard. Or explore the birds that might be passing over your head without you even knowing it. You can also sign up for local bird migration alerts.