by Mary Colter in the 1930s. Grand Canyon Conservancy, the National Park Service and the Inter-tribal Advisory Council plan to transform the Desert View area into a thriving space that celebrates the tribal heritages of Grand Canyon and create a visitor experience that informs visitors from around the world of the diverse cultures at Grand Canyon. In January 2015 National Park Service took over management of the Desert Watchtower. In July 2015 ArtPlace America announced a $500,000 grant to preserve murals inside the Watchtower, continue the Cultural Demonstration Series, and develop inter-tribal tourism opportunities. In September, 2016 America voted Desert View Watchtower among the most worthy historic preservation projects at the National Parks to receive a prestigious grant to restore the Watchtower murals. Funds donated towards the Desert View Heritage Site will go towards: Completing restoration of the Desert View Watchtower structure and its murals. Creating new spaces like a performance plaza and a cultural center to immerse visitors in American Indian life and culture. Expanding tribal youth opportunities for education and job training. Expansion of the popular Cultural Demonstration program at Desert View. Dark Sky Preservation Grand Canyon National Park is one of the last places in the United States where one can experience a star-filled night sky. One-third of the world's population – including 80% of Americans – can no longer see the Milky Way. Funding towards Dark Sky Preservation helped Grand Canyon National Park achieve International Dark Sky Park status in June 2019. All of the park's 4,740 lighting fixtures have been inventoried and catalogued. Before becoming a Dark Sky Park, 3,500 of these fixtures did not meet dark sky guidelines. Light fixtures and very-low-lumen LED bulbs were tested for a wide variety of installations. To achieve designation as an International Dark Sky Park, 1,500 fixtures were replaced by 2019, the Centennial year of Grand Canyon. Expanded Evening Programs and new night sky viewing areas are being developed. Discovery and Exploration Grand Canyon Conservancy is responsible for expansive science and education programs at Grand Canyon. Donations towards Discovery and Exploration have already funded the following: Studies of Bighorn Sheep and other animal populations that led to advances in wildlife management and species protection. The restoration of habitat along the Colorado River and throughout the park for endangered plants, animals, and birds. Field trips and Rangers in the Classroom environmental education programs that reach 13,500 children each year.