Exterior Lighting: Best Practices and Etiquette for Lakefront Properties
For generations, the Belgrade Lakes region has been known for its dark, star-filled skies. In recent decades, however, light pollution has steadily increased. Growth in surrounding communities, new local commercial development, and the explosion of residential outdoor lighting have all contributed to brighter night skies and the gradual loss of the stars above us.
Outdoor living has become an important part of lake life, and advances in lighting technology now offer endless options for illuminating our properties — landscape lighting, string lights, dock lights, decorative solar fixtures, floodlights, and more. While these lights may enhance convenience and ambiance, they can also spill across the water, affect neighboring properties, and diminish the natural darkness that makes the Belgrade Lakes so special.
Fortunately, a few thoughtful choices can make a meaningful difference. DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing light pollution, promotes several simple principles for responsible outdoor lighting:
- Shield and direct lights downward.
- Exterior lights should illuminate only the area intended. Ensure all exterior lighting is fully shielded so the bulb itself is not visible. Properly shielded lighting prevents glare and reduces light spilling across the lake or into neighboring properties.
- Use warm-colored bulbs.
- Choose warm or amber-toned bulbs (3000K or lower) instead of harsh blue-white lighting. Warmer light is less disruptive to nocturnal wildlife and creates a softer, more natural nighttime environment.
- Add timers and motion sensors.
- Dock, deck, and landscape lighting generally does not need to remain on all night. Timers and motion sensors help reduce unnecessary lighting while still providing safety when actively navigating the property.
Good lighting practices also come down to courtesy and common sense:
- Observe a “light curfew.”
- Consider turning off nonessential exterior lights such as dock, deck, string lights and decorative displays by 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. so neighbors — and wildlife — can enjoy the natural darkness of the lake.
- Be cautious with solar lighting.
- Keep solar lighting to a minimum, particularly on docks, dock platforms, paths to the water, and decks. Most solar fixtures remain illuminated dusk to dawn or until the battery dies — long after properties are quiet for the evening.
- Watch your flashlights.
- Avoid shining bright white flashlights or phone screens toward the water or across the lake, as they severely disrupt night vision and disturb nesting loons and other wildlife.
- Use red light at night.
- When navigating your property, walking to your dock, or stargazing, consider using a red-light headlamp or flashlight. Red light preserves human night vision and is far less disorienting to nocturnal animals.
Why It Matters
Reducing excessive lighting is about more than preserving views of the Milky Way. Artificial light at night affects migratory birds, insects, fish, and shoreline wildlife. Loons, in particular, are sensitive to nighttime disturbance during nesting season.
Preserving dark skies also helps maintain the quiet character and natural beauty that have long defined the Belgrade Lakes experience.
Maine recently adopted new standards for certain public outdoor lighting projects, and many communities are beginning to revisit local lighting ordinances as well. But preserving dark skies is ultimately a shared responsibility. Thoughtful lighting choices by individual property owners can go a long way toward protecting one of the region’s most treasured natural resources: a truly dark night sky.
Click to read a related article and view a list of dark sky resources.
Download Full Newspaper: High Res | Low Res (Details…)
<— Summaries • Next Article —>
©2026 by Summertime in the Belgrades. All rights reserved.