Events

Missed our meeting? Don’t worry—you can now watch the full session on YouTube!

In this insightful meeting, Art Schneider, IDA Texas North Texas Regional Manager, and Amy Jackson, Central Texas Regional Manager, guided participants through the process of spreading awareness about protecting our night skies. Whether you’re looking to engage your local community or give presentations to clubs like Rotary, astronomy groups, or schools, this session provides everything you need to know to get started.

You’ll learn:

• How to prepare and deliver effective presentations for various community groups
• How to connect with local schools and educators
• How to use IDA Texas resources, including videos, PowerPoints, and hands-on activities
• Creative demonstration ideas, such as using color grating and mapping the night sky

Watch the full video here: Kick Start Your Dark Sky Advocacy Work

Even if you missed the live session, you can still get involved in advocating for dark skies in your community. Watch the video and share it with others who care about keeping our night skies pristine.

In most cities, perceptions of safety are the primary driver for lighting policy. Often these perceptions are dead wrong and perpetuated by well-meaning officials who do not understand that LED technology easily creates disabling glare and is unforgiving. We now have not just glare but glare on steroids.

Want to know more about International Dark Sky Places? What’s the same about each type of place and what’s different? How do I get started or get things moving again if they have stagnated?

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97704446878?pwd=JGUz6DvuWZrPPqPclbeauHtdyaXjOs.1

Meeting ID: 977 0444 6878
Passcode: 999096

Watch the “Night Lights and Bat Flights” webinar with Dr. Amanda Adams

This webinar explores how artificial light at night affects bats’ flight, foraging, and survival — and why lighting choices matter for protecting nocturnal wildlife.

Dr. Amanda Adams of Bat Conservation International (BCI) shares insights from two decades of global bat research.

Meet at 9:30 AM on the South Steps of the Capitol

We’re honored that Senator Blanco and Representative Troxclair are sponsoring resolutions in support of Dark Sky Day at the Capitol. While we don’t have the exact floor schedule yet, we’re planning to read the resolution on the south steps, and we hope to be recognized on the floor of both the House and Senate during the day.

Plan Ahead: Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll be moving around the Capitol.
Know your legislators: Find out who your Texas Senator and Representative are and plan to visit their offices to show your support and raise awareness of efforts to bring better nighttime lighting to our communities!
https://lrl.texas.gov/genInfo/contactleg.cfm

Parking: We suggest the Capitol Visitor’s Parking Garage at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701. However, there are more public garages, street parking, and parking lots within a few blocks. Be prepared to pay for parking.

Celebrate Earth Month in the Redbud Capital of Texas!

The award-winning Denton Redbud Festival has been promoting community beautification and Denton pride since 1994. The Redbud Festival features dozens of vendors with tree and plant sales, gardening supplies, household items and local/handmade products, along with family-friendly activities and live, local music.

DarkSky Texas will host a table with an exhibit of better lights for better nights.

Location: Denton Civic Center and Quakertown Park

Sit in on the DarkSky Texas Board of Directors Meeting. It’s open to all of our membership. We especially encourage attendance by representatives of county-wide night sky related groups, astronomy club reps, and others who want to volunteer.

DarkSky Texas Board Meetings
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 · 7:00 – 8:30pm Central Time
Zoom joining info
Video call link:  https://zoom.us/j/92016950186