New York State wants you to turn off your lights. It could save lives.

Here’s why.

This simple task could actually save thousands of lives, according to the New York officials.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) are reminding New Yorkers that they can protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the ‘Lights Out’ initiative.

The national Lights Out initiative runs during the spring migration from April 15th through May 31st, and again during peak fall migration from August 15th through November 15th.

Officials say the simple task of turning off non-essential outdoor lights at night during bird migration season will save thousands of birds.

“The national Lights Out initiative is a simple way we can help make the spring migration more successful in caring for the long-term well-being of our avian visitors and the important roles all birds play in healthy ecosystems!”