“‘What a powerful statement about the values of our community!’ I thought.
Grand Canyon Trust was among the first to benefit from special events created at Mountain Sports Flagstaff. As the business grew and its partnership with Patagonia evolved, Mark adopted Patagonia’s 1% for the Planet philosophy, a commitment to donate at least 1% of annual sales directly to environmental organizations.
Non-profits that became a natural fit and are thus eligible to receive funding as a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner include The Arboretum at Flagstaff, Grand Canyon Wildlands Council, Grand Canyon Youth and Friends of Camp Colton, to name a few.
This summer, Mountain Sports Flagstaff owner Lisa Lamberson, Mark’s daughter, became more aware of the efforts being made by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition with its mission: To celebrate, promote and protect the glorious dark skies of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona through successful dark sky practices.
“I was thrilled to learn that the American Astronomical Society recently recognized the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County as ‘the most successful examples of dark skies protection in the world,’” she said. “‘What a powerful statement about the values of our community!’ I thought. And I learned this is largely because of the tireless efforts of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and others who have been promoting the benefits of dark starry nights and successfully encouraging residents and visitors to prevent light pollution from flowing into our spectacular view of the universe.”
As a result, thanks to Lisa Lamberson, the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition is now a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner, supported by Mountain Sports. Lisa and Mountain Sports representatives plan to participate at the annual Flagstaff Star Party, a free, three-night star-gazing event, Sept. 21-23, in Buffalo Park.
“I think the community doesn’t often know the amazing dark-sky efforts that have been going on for decades here and the remarkable status we enjoy as the first International Dark Sky City,” she said. “I am thrilled about our relationship with the Coalition and that Mountain Sports can help create broader awareness about the value of dark starry skies.”
The Coalition invites stargazers to look for the Mountain Sports table at the Flagstaff Star Party and congratulate the family business as a Dark Sky Champion! FBN
Mountain Sports is celebrating its 50th anniversary with free public activities September through November. For more information, visit MountainSportsFlagstaff.com.
For more about the Flagstaff Star Party, go to FlagstaffStarParty.org.