The expansion of greenhouses in southern Ontario is transforming the landscape and night sky, with the Leamington area at the forefront. Since the 1960s, the region has become a powerhouse of agricultural production, earning the nickname 'greenhouse capital of North America'. The growth of greenhouses is evident in satellite imagery, with the number of light-colored roofs visible in the area increasing significantly in the past decade. This development has not only altered the daytime landscape but also the nighttime sky, with supplemental LED lighting emitting a purple, orange, and yellow glow that can be seen from as far away as Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. However, the light pollution around Leamington is a concern for ecologists due to its proximity to Point Pelee, a critical migration route for birds and monarch butterflies. Recent measures have been taken to reduce light pollution, including a town bylaw that requires greenhouses to install light-blocking curtains and close them at night. Despite these efforts, factors like cloud cover and the Moon's phase still impact sky brightness levels. The story of the Leamington greenhouses is a fascinating example of how human activity can both enhance and disrupt the natural world.
