Celebrating Dark Sky Places in Texas!
Three cheers for the International Dark Sky Places in Texas!
Twenty-Three International Dark Sky Places in Texas and Counting
Congratulations to our Dark Sky Places!
It is hard for some of us to take in that fifteen years have passed since the first International Dark Sky Place was designated in Texas. This is the perfect time to reflect on the tremendous amount of work put into earning each of those designations.
To help celebrate the work done to create our current list of twenty-two designated IDSPs we are sharing the list of those responsible.
Notice the cluster of Dark Sky Places in Central Texas. The DarkSky Texas team who brought about the designation of the First Dark Sky Community in Texas, The City of Dripping Springs, generated significant attention from the public. That team was joined by additional DarkSky Texas members as they led the extremely successful Better Lights for Better Nights Conference followed by three Texas Night Sky Festivals® where multiple thousands from around the area and well beyond Texas were educated and inspired.
DarkSky Texas (formerly IDA Texas), McDonald Observatory, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the National Park Service Night Sky Team were the movers and shakers behind the vast majority of the work across the state. Bravo!
The recognition on this webpage is to thank the folks who initiated the effort, gathered the data, guided the park or community in achieving the requirements, created the inventory and assessment of existing outdoor lighting, wrote the application package, and any key sources of consistent outside help in doing this work. That effort can be huge!
Thanks also to the many, many individuals, businesses, and organizations who wrote support letters. Those are appreciated too.
Sierra La Rana Development
Awarded International Development of Distinction designation in 2009
- Gil Bartee, VP of Development for Sierra La Rana led the creation of the International Dark Sky Development of Distinction application.
- Bill Wren of McDonald Observatory, a DarkSky Texas member, provided assistance.
Big Bend National Park
Awarded International Dark Sky Park designation in February 2012
The application was prepared by park staff with these additional sources of support and expertise:
- The National Park Service Night Sky Team consisting of Dan Durisco, ChadMoore, Teresa Jiles, Jeremy White, and Robert Meadows. The leaders of this team were also DarkSky International active members.
- Raymond Skiles, Wildlife Biologist, Big Bend National Park.
- Lisa Turecek, Chief Facility Management, Big Bend National Park.
City of Dripping Springs
Awarded International Dark Sky Community designation in January 2014
- Cindy Luongo Cassidy of DarkSky Texas initiated the process, wrote the new compliant outdoor lighting ordinance, gathered the data, and prepared the nomination package.
- Michelle Fischer, the Dripping Springs City Administrator, encouraged the process, worked with City Council to secure their buy-in and assisted with gathering letters of support.
- Joan Mihal of DarkSky Texas wrote the history section of the nomination package.
Copper Breaks State Park
Awarded International Dark Sky Park designation in August 2014
- Gary Carter and Cindy Luongo Cassidy, both of DarkSky Texas, initiated the process, gathered the data, and prepared the nomination package.
- David Turner, the Park Superintendent of Copper Breaks State Park continued the long running star parties and educational talks about dark sky lighting and provided support and encouragement for the project.
- Chris Holmes, the TPWD Director of Interpretive Services, for developing Stargazing opportunities in Texas State Parks and for recognizing the long history of Copper Breaks State Park as a leader in dark sky programming for the public.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Awarded International Dark Sky Park designation in August 2014
- Friends of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (FOER) provided financial support for the parks astronomy program.
- McDonald Observatory nominated Enchanted Rock to become an IDA International Dark Sky Park and provided important technical and educational support through Bill Wren.
- Lance Allred wrote the interpretive introduction and background information about Enchanted Rock.
- Nita Hazle wrote the interpretive discussion about the vernal pools at Enchanted Rock.
- Ken Kattner of DarkSky Texas and Putnam Observatory provided invaluable assistance in developing the International Dark Sky Park application, donating the Sky Quality Meter, developing the webpage and providing technical assistance.
- Melissa Mial – Friends of Enchanted Rock President shared advice, technical assistance, editing, and historical research.
- DarkSky Texas member Cindy Luongo Cassidy provided technical assistance, advice, and prepared the statewide TPWD Lighting Management Plan.
- Jason Fry performed the initial lighting inventory and assessment at Enchanted Rock.
- Hill Country Astronomers, San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers and Austin Astronomical Association have run and have committed to continue holding Enchanted Rock Dark Sky public programs.
- Brian Greenstone – donated valuable stargazing equipment to Enchanted Rock’s astronomy program.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provided technical assistance and advice, support of dark sky preservation at Enchanted Rock, and leadership in night sky preservation.
- Chris Holmes – Director of Interpretive Services developed Stargazing opportunities in Texas State Parks.
- Phillip Plata – Web Administrator, Texas State Parks added Stargazing on Enchanted Rock’s home page to help educate and inform our visitors about the wonders of the stars.
- Brent Leisure – Director of State Parks provided leadership in ensuring the night skies are preserved in state parks for all Texans.
- Doug Cochran, Superintendent of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, supported, facilitated, and encouraged the project.
Lost Creek Development
awarded international development of distinction in Austin 2015
- Deborah Castro, Gary Sertich and Eric Castro initiated the efforts for Lost Creek Municipal Utility District / Limited District to achieve the designation of International Dark Sky Development of Distinction. They followed through and were instrumental in ensuring the IDA requirements were met.
- Chuck McCormick and other members of the Lost Creek Municipal Utility District / Limited District joined the effort.
- Creation of the physical International Dark Sky Development of Distinction nomination package was led by Tom Clark, General Manager of Lost Creek Municipal Utility District.
City of Horseshoe Bay
awarded international dark sky comunity in November 2015
- Stan R. Farmer, City Manager did the work to prepare the city to be nominated as an International Dark Sky Community, document it, and prepare the nomination package.
- DarkSky Texas members assisted in updating the outdoor lighting ordinance, made lighting recommendations for local businesses, and reviewed the application prior to submittal.
U Bar U Camp & Retreat Center
awarded international dark sky park in January 2016
Dr Roy Ellzey, Hilary Hansell, and Sheri Phillabaum, with assistance from the U Bar U Building and Grounds Committee and the Executive Director, did the research, data gathering, and preparation of the application package.
South Llano River State Park
awarded international dark sky park designation in February 2017
- The staff and volunteers of South Llano River State Park led the effort to create the International Dark Sky Park application package.
- Ken Kattner, past president of DarkSky International and a member of DarkSky Texas, gave his knowledge, time, and expertise in developing the Dark Sky application, donated the Sky Quality Meter, and provided constant support and technical assistance.
- Friends of South Llano River State Park supported the Park financially, including their support of the Park’s dark sky educational programs.
- Bill Neiman provided assistance installing the Sky Quality Meter at the Park.
- Carolyn Whiteside allowed the Park to use her stunning night time star photos in the application.
- Bill Wren and Cindy Luongo Cassidy, of DarkSky Texas, developed dark sky education materials.
- Lou Zyla, trained by DarkSky Texas in outdoor lighting inventory and assessments, performed the initial lighting inventory and assessment at South Llano River State Park.
- Mason Stargazers, Texas Tech University Outdoor School and amateur astronomer Greg Beers partnered with us in past and future night sky education, and allowed the public to enjoy the Park’s dark skies through their telescopes.
- Management and support teams from TPWD provided the encouragement and support for this application to DarkSky International.
River Hills Neighborhood - Westlake
Awarded International Dark sky Development of distinction designation in August 2017
Susan Silberman of the River Hills Neighborhood Association gathered all the data, created a dark sky agenda with activities to support the required dark sky practices, prepared the updates needed to the bylaws of the River Hills Neighborhood Association, coordinated with DarkSky Texas members for support, then compiled and submitted the application and associated documents.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
awarded International Dark Sky Park Designation in November 2017
Amber Harrison of Big Bend Ranch State Park led the staff in creating the application with contributions from:
- Bill Wren of McDonald Observatory
- Matt Lara and Big Bend Conservation Alliance
- Park volunteers: Robyn Gold and Gary Nored
- Dark Sky Stewards: Tim McKenna, Jennifer Pena, Matt Walter, and Morteza Safataj
- Compadres del Rancho Grande (Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park)
Wimberley Valley
Awarded International Dark Sky Community Designation in June 2018
The Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee was brought together by the Wimberley Chamber of Commerce. That committee, led by Shannon du Plessis, created and submitted the nomination package with coaching throughout the process by DarkSky Texas.
Committee Members at the time were Shannon du Plessis – Chair, Louis Parks – Vice Chair, Martha Pinto – Secretary, Pam Showalter – Immediate Past Chair, Bob Cook, Clay Ewing, Jamie Kinscherff, Martha Knies, Cathy Moreman, Joe Smith, Carroll Wilson, Allison Davis – Wimberley City Council Liaison, and Brent Pulley – Woodcreek Liaison.
Devils River State Natural Area
Awarded international dark sky sanctuary designation in January 2019
- The staff of Devils River State Natural Area – Del Norte led the preparation of the application.
- Bill Wren, of McDonald Observatory and DarkSky Texas, gave of his knowledge, time, and expertise in developing the Dark Sky Sanctuary application and nominated the SNA for Dark Sky Sanctuary designation.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provided technical assistance, advice, and support of dark sky preservation at Devils River State Natural Area – Del Norte Unit, as well as leadership in night sky preservation.
- Cassie Cox, TPWD Region 1 Interpretive Specialist, supported the application and updated the Interpretive Master Plan to include more detailed Night Sky Initiatives.
- Leadership at TPWD encouraged and supported the process and ongoing preservation of the natural nighttime.
Lakewood Village
awarded international dark sky community designation in September 2019
- Linda Ruth the Lakewood Village Town Administrator led the effort to create the Lakewood Village International Dark Sky Community application with help from Ed Reed the Lakewood Village Mayor Pro-Tem.
- Gordon Meredith and Gary Carter both of DarkSky Texas provided detailed support and assistance.
City of Fredericksburg
awarded international dark sky community designation in February 2020
- Ken Kattner of DarkSky Texas and Putnam Observatory led the effort to create the International Dark Sky Community application. He was supported by a cadre of dark sky advocates in positioning the community to earn the award.
- The City of Dripping Springs Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, crafted by a DarkSky Texas member was used as the model for the Fredericksburg ordinance.
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
Awarded International Dark Sky Park Designation in November 2021
- Amy Jackson of Starry Sky Austin and DarkSky Texas was the driving force behind the Milton Reimers Ranch Park application.
- Cindy Luongo Cassidy of DarkSky Texas, mentored Amy throughout the application process and helped with the lighting inventory and assessment.
- Michael Brewster consistently provided high quality and engaging astronomy programs for the public while supervising Hamilton Pool Preserve as well as Milton Reimers Ranch Park. Michael also made dark sky conservation a priority when helping to design the park and observatory.
- Jessica Wigley was committed to sharing her knowledge of the night sky and coming up with creative ideas for the observatory.
- Nathan Kaplan contributed to the completion of the Reimers lighting inventory.
- Adam Dalton of DarkSky International helped answer questions and clarified the application process.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Awarded International Dark Sky Park Designation in November 2021
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park was fortunate in having two Americorps Community Volunteer Ambassadors who readied the Dark Sky application.
- Cheyenne Dolin began the process taking the application from an initial idea to an extremely solid draft. Cheyenne spent the majority of her internship learning about night sky preservation, building contacts within the astronomy community, and organizing the initial inventory.
- DarkSky Texas members Cindy and John Cassidy were brought in by Cheyenne to work with her to create the very large inventory and assessment of outdoor lighting on the property. They helped Cheyenne work through the historical designation issues that had to be untangled for light fixtures that did not meet the dark sky standard.
- Alexander Shane took the application from Ms. Dolin and did significant work to ready it for submission and more fully develop the night sky program at the park. He spent hours working on the application, collecting SQM readings, finalizing the inventory, consulting with DarkSky Texas about possible replacement fixtures, and coordinating all the moving parts.
- Cynthia Dorminey assisted with filming Mr. Shane and taking time to edit videos for the Interpretation examples.
- Trevor Wright assisted with lighting modifications.
- LBJ Nat Park management, specifically Susanne McDonald and Acting Superintendent Justin Bates, supported Cheyenne’s efforts to complete the night sky application and continued to support Mr. Shane’s commitment to the project.
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
Awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary designation in August 2021
The staff of Black Gap Wildlife Management Area worked along side Amber Harrison to gather the details and prepare the application. It would not have been possible without the support, expertise, and guidance from the following:
- W. Wren and S. Hummel of McDonald Observatory
- Dark Sky Stewards: Rainey Miller, Andrew Deveraux, and Jennifer Pena
- Staff and management at BGWMA and BBRSP, as well as Cassie Cox, Reg 1 Interpretive Specialist, TPWD
- West Texas Friends of the Night Sky, Big Bend Conservation Alliance, Big Bend Citizen’s Alliance, and Big Bend National Park
- Adam Dalton and John Barentine with DarkSky International
Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve
Awarded International Dark Sky Reserve Designation in April 2022
From the inception of the idea to create this enormous dark sky reserve to the compilation of data and documentation to the submission, this was truly an enormous effort with many moving parts.
The nomination package was prepared by W. Wren, T. Pugh, S. Hummel, K. French, A. Gilliland, and A. Harrison representing McDonald Observatory, Texas Parks & Wildlife, the National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy with support from DarkSky International and DarkSky Texas.
City of Blanco
Awarded International Dark Sky Community Designation in April 2022
Blanco’s Dark Sky Community certification is the result of hard work and dedication exhibited by numerous volunteers with the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky led by Wayne Gosnell.
Key to the effort was the support and cooperation of:
- The City of Blanco
- Blanco County Commissioners Court
- The Blanco Chamber of Commerce
- Hill Country Astronomers
- Hill Country Alliance
- DarkSky Texas
City of Bee Cave
Awarded International Dark Sky Community Designation in April 2023
- Amanda Padilla, Senior Planner with the City, was the primary individual who assembled the package and collected data.
- Megan Will, Director of Planning and Development, and Lindsey A. Oskoui served in support roles to Amanda, helping to review the application materials, provide policy guidance, and occasionally taking readings.
- Bee Cave Library Director Barbara Hathaway and Deputy Director Gretchen Hardin organized and hosted educational events in support of the application.
- Dan Koss with Freese and Nichols was a key technical advisor to Amanda and the City in general on all matters related to lighting, including assistance with the adaption of the Model Outdoor Lighting Ordinance to Bee Cave’s needs and conditions.
- DarkSky Texas members supported the City throughout the process.
Awarded International Dark Sky Community Designation in November 2023
In a direct response to citizen requests to preserve and protect the local environment, Jonestown City Council tasked a volunteer committee, the Jonestown Night Sky Advocacy (JNSA), to assist in pursuing and obtaining an International Dark Sky Community designation.
JNSA member Ann DePrato and City of Jonestown staff worked closely with Dark Sky Places Program Manager Ashley Wilson to improve and ultimately pass a new outdoor lighting ordinance that met DarkSky standards.
Lecia Ellis and Meshell Counterman, aided by other JNSA members were instrumental in assembling the application package. Jonestown Mayor, Paul Johnson, City Council, City Staff, Amber Harrision of DarkSky International, the DarkSky Texas team, and Hill Country ALliance all demonstrated exceptional support.
Shield Ranch Barton Creek
Awarded International Urban Night Sky Place Designation in July 2024
- Amy Jackson of Starry Sky Austin and DarkSky Texas was the consultant who developed Shield Ranch Barton Creek’s International Urban Night Sky Place application.
- Blake Murden, Shield Land Stewardship Group’s CEO, led the effort to create the Shield Ranch Barton Creek International Urban Night Sky Place project, helped develop the application, and installed the permanent night sky quality monitoring station on the Ranch.
- Grant Lawrence, Operations Manager at Shield Land Stewardship Group, along with other Ranch staff, conducted the lighting inventory and assessment, and implemented dark sky compliant lighting retrofits.
- Shield Ranch Foundation staff provided, and continue to offer, nature-based experiences including night sky and dark sky education at Shield Ranch.
- Cindy Luongo Cassidy of DarkSky Texas served as a resource throughout the application process.
Dan Oakley of DarkSky International reviewed the application and provided helpful feedback and clarification during the application process.
