DarkSky Texas - Formerly IDA Texas

First Wednesday 7PM: Dark Sky Place Coaching
2025-07-02, 2025-08-06, 2025-09-03, 2025-10-01, 2025-11-05
Working on an International Dark Sky Place application? Join us at 7:00PM on the first Wednesday of each month (with the exception of Jan 2025 when the event will be Jan 8th). See full list of events for more info.

22 July 2025 7-8:30 PM DarkSky Texas Board Meeting (Open to all Volunteers)
2025-07-22 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Review the Agenda and Join us! The agenda has the link to join the meeting.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MjF1JRDxOfqbuEF13mEwKZLu8CO6Ozr1/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105677860306105778141&rtpof=true&sd=true

Dark Skies Presentation for Driftwood Historical Conservation Society
2025-08-12 18:00 - 19:00
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.

Dark Skies Presentation for Wimberley Birding Society
2025-08-18 10:00 - 11:30
The talk will explore the natural world and the processes that depend on the absence of artificial light. It will emphasize the issues that birds have with artificial lighting. I’ll also include some information on bird-friendly windows. It will cover issues of navigation (& migration), reproduction, circadian rhythms, photoperiodism, competition, predation, and general habitat protection. I’ll also touch on some issues that humans have with artificial light at night too. We’ll review what we can do to extend our protection of birds (and ourselves) to the nighttime.

Sept 9 at 7:00 pm Membership Meeting
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:15
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The General Membership Meeting took place on September 9, 2025, bringing together DarkSky Texas volunteers from across the state. Attendees connected over shared goals, received updates on current initiatives, and explored tools available to support their advocacy work.
You can watch the full meeting replay in the video above (or view it directly on YouTube).

Presentation: Dark Skies Over the RGV
2025-09-13 14:00 - 15:00
Did you know most migratory birds fly at night? But city lights can disorient birds, causing them to stray off track. This can lead to collisions with buildings and also imperils their health as they waste precious energy in confusion.
Light pollution is on the rise worldwide, not only affecting the nighttime behaviors of birds and other wildlife, but impacting human health, too, and our ability to see the stars. The good news is that it’s one of the most easily reversible forms of pollution!

Join DarkSky Texas RGV Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Rektorik at Wild Birds Unlimited McAllen for a one-hour talk about the five principles of responsible outdoor lighting and ways we can protect the night skies of the Rio Grande Valley.

Plus, stay after for a native plant sale!

DarkSky Texas at Georgetown Astronomy Club
2025-10-02 18:30 - 20:00
Cindy Luongo Cassidy of DarkSky Texas will be the speaker for the Georgetown Astronomy Club meeting.
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.

Oct 16-19 DarkSky Texas at the Texas Master Naturalist State Meeting
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-19
Statewide gathering of Texas Master Naturalists with DarkSky Texas members presenting programs and staffing an exhibit booth.

Mysteries & Myths - Star Party
2025-10-25 17:30 - 23:11
Join us in celebrating Liberty Hill’s International Dark Sky Community designation with our neighboring communities! Spend an autumn evening exploring the night sky and enjoying family-friendly fun.
Event Highlights

Explore the skies through telescopes with astronomy guides
Grab dinner from local food trucks
Create space-themed crafts with the Liberty Hill Public Library
Hear from The Wizard of the Night Sky
Hunt for the mythical Sasquatch

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to relax under the stars.
Remember there’s an entry fee. Camping or day-use reservations are required for park entry.
Reserve your site or purchase a day pass HERE:
Saturday, October 25 · 5:30 PM – 11:11 PM
River Ranch County Park @ Interpretive Center
194 Reveille Way
Liberty Hill, TX 78642

11 Nov 2025 7-8:30 PM DarkSky Texas Board Meeting (Open to all Volunteers)
2025-11-11 19:00 - 20:30
Review the Agenda and Join us! The agenda has the link to join the meeting.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LRnNViIoW6NzD5R1tlhKEyClZRSId-1J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105677860306105778141&rtpof=true&sd=true

First Wednesday 7PM: Dark Sky Place Coaching
2025-12-03 00:00 - 23:59, 2026-01-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-02-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-01 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-06 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-03 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-07-01 19:00 - 20:30
Working on an International Dark Sky Place application? Join us at 7:00PM on the first Wednesday of each month. See full list of events for more info.

Jan 8th - Protecting Dark Skies for Plants and all Living Things at Native Plant Society - Williamson County Chapter Meeting
2026-01-08 19:00 - 20:30
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.

Jan 15th Wilson County Beautification Association Speakers Forum
2026-01-15 18:30 - 19:30
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.

March 6-8, 2026 DarkSky Texas Statewide Volunteer and Leader Gathering
2026-03-06 - 2026-03-08
Gathering of DarkSky Texas volunteers and leaders to meet in person in Fredericksburg, TX. We will have the opportunity to be updated on our organization, strengthen communication, enhance innovation, build new skills, and prioritize future goals for the organization.
Registration form for Leaders and Volunteers will be available soon.

Bird Lovers Weekend in Bastrop May 1st & 2nd
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-02
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

Bring The Milky Way Home
2026-05-08 20:30 - 22:30
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!
Or buy an annual or state pass here:https://share.google/fG5Lg60qZjUh42Gbq

May 13th 7pm - Protecting Wildlife in Dark Sky Advocacy by Dr Travis Longcore
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for a special presentation with Dr. Travis Longcore, a leading expert working at the crossroads of science, community planning, and dark skies, with a particular emphasis on wildlife. He will bring the science to life as he explains and categorizes the many ways artificial light affects species and ecosystems, from disrupting circadian rhythms in birds to fragmenting landscapes for puma and other wide-ranging animals. Dr. Longcore will then explore practical solutions, including effective shielding, reducing light intensity, and harnessing the powerful benefits of adjusting light spectrum to avoid the most disruptive colors.
Your participation will help build momentum for better lighting and healthier ecosystems. We also encourage you to invite your community and park planners to attend this event, so they can hear directly from an expert how to incorporate dark-sky principles into their projects.
Space is limited, so please register early to secure your spot. Registration Fee of $15 to cover our expenses for this program.
Zoom link to registration:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/AjNS73nFtHfU8gwRN0LXKXzP101KNMllva98rkHnisDBMOh4WY_c~AtDaMj7MmrG-ADLDy8c5YvDlDN8XSovEigA-lXRhW-XeVUYQMG-OxBkd5Q

Third Wednesday 12PM: Dark Sky Place Coaching
2026-06-17 12:00 - 13:30
Working on an International Dark Sky Place application? Join us at 12:00PM on the first Wednesday of each month. See full list of events for more info.
