What: Enjoy our Dusk to Dark Star Party at Shield Ranch Barton Creek, the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas. Learn from astronomy educators Amy Jackson (Night Sky Program Director for Travis County Parks Foundation) and Dawn Davies (Hill Country Alliance Night Skies Program Manager) while experiencing unforgettable stargazing—with an exciting new option to stay overnight!
When: Dusk to Dark Star Party: Sat., May 2, 2026; 6:30-10 pm
Where: Campsite at Shield Ranch; 10417 Crumley Ranch Rd., Austin, Texas 78738
Cost: $15 adults, $7 youth; recommended for ages 8+
Ticket availability: Wild for Good Circle supporters receive priority registration on Friday, March 6. Tickets will be available to the general public on Monday, March 9.
Dusk to Dark Star Party includes:
- Starry Sky Viewing: Explore the night sky through telescopes and learn about constellations and celestial wonders.
- Dark Skies Education: Discover the importance of dark skies for all living things and how we can preserve them.
- UV Walk: Join a Central Texas Mycological Society educator for a guided UV walk through a diverse, nocturnal ecosystem. Using UV flashlights and cameras, we’ll look for mushrooms, night pollinators, birds, glowing plants, lichens, and more.
- Citizen Science: Contribute to the Globe at Night campaign, helping researchers worldwide track and reduce light pollution.
Overnight Package (Limited Availability)
Make it a night to remember. Stay overnight and wake to the dawn bird chorus.
When: Sat.-Sun., May 2-3, 2026; 3 pm-noon
Cost: $180–$375 per group (up to 2–9 people, depending on the shelter)
Overnight Package includes:
- Dusk to Dark Star Party
- Overnight stay in one of our 11 off-grid screened shelters
- Dinner and breakfast
- Optional guided morning birding experience led by Travis Audubon volunteer
Priority booking for overnight accommodations is available to Wild for Good Circle supporters. If you’ve been considering joining, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy early access to a truly special experience.
Shelter Options and Pricing:
Photos by Brian Fitzsimmons, David Cook, and Sanetra Longno.
Shield Ranch is officially certified by DarkSky International as Texas’ first Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP), in recognition of our commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving the natural beauty of our night skies.
