What: Enjoy Dusk to Dark Star Party and Nature Night at Shield Ranch Barton Creek, the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas. Join night sky educators for stargazing, hands-on citizen science activities to help preserve our naturally dark night skies.
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 5-9 pm (sunset is 5:32 pm)
Where: Campsite at Shield Ranch; 10417 Crumley Ranch Rd., Austin, Texas 78738
Who: This event is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone curious about the night sky
Cost: $15 adults, $7 youth, recommended ages 8+ (no food provided, bring your own picnic!)
Activities:
• Starry Sky Viewing: Explore the night sky through telescopes, learn how to find constellations and view celestial wonders with members of Austin Astronomical Society
• Dark Skies Education: Discover the importance of dark skies for all living things and how we can preserve them.
• Citizen Science: Contribute to the Globe at Night campaign helping researchers worldwide track and reduce light pollution.
• UV Nature 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.
• Community Constellation Art and Storytelling: With artist and educator, Stephanie Chavez Noell we will weave together the constellations in the night’s sky while learning stories about the constellations from different cultures.
• Yaupon Tea Tasting: Enjoy a cozy cup of Yaupon Tea from Cat Spring Yaupon.
Dusk to Dark Star Party and Nature Night; photos by Brian Fitzsimmons, Stephanie Chavez Noell, Central Texas Mycological Society.
On July 23, 2024, Shield Ranch was 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. Shield Ranch is now among more than 230 sites globally and 23 in Texas dedicated to protecting the night sky from the harmful effects of light pollution. We recognize the importance of reducing outdoor lighting to protect nocturnal wildlife, including migrating birds, moths, and other insects. Becoming a Dark Sky Place allows us to share the Ranch’s pristine nature both day and night.
