Cindy’s talk will explore the natural world and the processes that depend on the absence of artificial light. It will include a number of species but will emphasize issues that plants have with artificial lighting. Issues of navigation, reproduction, circadian rhythms, photoperiodism, competition, predation, and general habitat protection will be covered. It will also touch on some issues that humans have with artificial light at night. The talk wraps up with a review of what each of us can do to protect living things during the nighttime.

Preservation of the Night

Are we ignoring half of the conservation work that needs to be done? Cindy will explore the natural world and its processes that depend on the absence of artificial light. Living things need natural darkness for navigation, reproduction, circadian rhythms, photoperiodism, competition, predation, and general habitat protection. We humans need it too. Learn what we can do to extend our conservation work to the nighttime.

The Bird Lover Weekend in Bastrop, Texas  celebrates the city’s Bird City Texas designation with activities like the “Big Sit” birdwatching, bird-themed art walks, educational raptor programs, and the popular Fabulous Bird Hat contest. This free, family-friendly event features guided, bird-focused tours and workshops in local parks and downtown venues.

DarkSky Texas will provide an educational presentation on Saturday May 2nd from 11am to noon at the Lost Pines Art Center.

Key Events and Highlights :

• FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026

  8:30am-10:00am – Birdwatching Little Hike – Bob Bryant Park
  10:00am-10:30am – Meet the Purple Martins – Bob Bryant Park
  12:00pm-8:00pm – In the Spotlight: Birdy Art – Bridges Emporium
  4:00pm-4:30pm – Meet the Purple Martins – Bob Bryant Park
  5:00pm-6:00pm – Beer and Bird Songs – 602 Brewing Co.
  6:00pm-7:00pm – Bird Hat Contest – Bridges Emporium
  6:00pm-7:00pm – Binocular Booth – Bridges Emporium

  SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026

  8:30am-10:00am –  Birdwatching Big Sit – Fisherman’s Park
  9:00am-10:00am –  Bird Sculptures Field Trip on Chestnut – start with Barred Owl at Film Alley
  10:30am-11:00am – Meet the Purple Martins – Bob Bryant Park
  10:00am-11:00am – Sky Kings Raptors Program – Lost Pines Art Center
  11:00am-12:00pm – DarkSky Texas Program – Lost Pines Art Center
  11:00am-2:00pm –  Table Talks: Birdy Info Booths – Lost Pines Art Center
  11:00am-2:00pm –  Kids Room: Birdy Activities – Lost Pines Art Center
  12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch break! BYO lunch and chat with local birders – Lost Pines Art Center
  12:00pm-8:00pm – In the Spotlight: Birdy Art – Bridges Emporium
  1:00pm-2:00pm –  Bastrop Backyard Birds Presentation – Lost Pines Art Center
  2:00pm-3:00pm –  Meet the Purple Martins – Behind City Hall
  5:30pm-6:00pm –  Meet the Purple Martins – Behind City Hall
  6:00pm-8:00pm – Art After Dark: “Free as a Bird” Art Show with Texas Artists & Live Music –  Lost Pines Art Center

Liberty Hill Community Star Party

Fun Event for the Family – Telescope demonstration by Williamson County Astronomy Club

• Saturday, May 8th
• 8:30pm-10:30pm
• River Ranch County Park
  • 193 Reveille Way, Liberty Hill, TX 78642
  • $4.00 entry fee per person at the park gate (under 12 free, 65+ $2)

Bring your families, chairs & red flashlights to see the stars in our Milky Way & explore night!