Citizen Revolt: Aug. 30
Learn about the benefits of dark skies, embrace skateboard diplomacy and get the latest on Utah's nuclear threat.
By Katharine Biele @kathybiele
DARK SKIES—GOING, GOING, GONE
Did you try to see the latest meteor shower? It probably didn't end well because of the city's pervasive light pollution. Is it inevitable? Attend Birds and Brews—Lights Out Launch Party to hear from Tracy Aviary conservation scientists, University of Utah astronomers and other local experts. Jessica Dwyer, with the Salt Lake Chapter of the International Dark Sky Association, will explain the importance of dark skies and why addressing light pollution is a win for public health, urban ecology, public safety and energy efficiency. Tracy Aviary will open its doors for an evening to explore the night sky and help save the lives of migrating birds. Tracy Aviary, 589 E. 1300 South, 801-596-8500, Friday, Aug. 31, 7-10 p.m., $15, bit.ly/2Lp0bk6.
BICYCLES NOT TAR SANDS
Here's a ride that will change your perspective and appreciation of Utah's extraordinary landscapes. Over two days, you'll be bicycling in the Book Cliffs for 40 miles along Seep Ridge Road, a "nearly empty highway through highly scenic nature and desert beauty threatened by strip mining." Bicycles Not Tar Sands goes along the Tavaputs Plateau within the Ute nation's Uncompahgre reservation boundaries and will start at the "Horn" overlooking the U.S. Oil Sands bankrupt tar-sands operation. You'll pass the site of Red Leaf Resources failed oil shale project and camp out nearby. This is two days of exploring what is and what might not be. Horn on Seep Ridge Road overlooking U.S. Oil Sands mine. Saturday-Monday, Sept. 1-3, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, free, bit.ly/2BLAWck.
HOT NIGHT ABOUT URANIUM
Not too long ago, Utah's congressional delegation was worried about the state becoming a dumping ground for nuclear waste. But that was in 2009, and times have changed. Now, it's big business—up to $12 billion over five years—as commercial nuclear reactors are decommissioned, and there's nowhere for the depleted uranium to go—unless it's Utah or maybe Texas. Join HEAL Utah at Radioactive Utah: Depleted Uranium Community Night to learn about a new threat from this waste and the science behind it. You will hear what it's going to take to stop it and how you can help. Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, 801-355-5055, Thursday, Sept. 6, 6:30-8 p.m., free, bit.ly/2NeZNXc.
About The Author
Katharine Biele
A City Weekly contributor since 1992, Katharine Biele is the informed voice behind our Hits & Misses column. When not writing, you can catch her working to empower voters and defend democracy alongside the League of Women Voters.
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