BCFNS In the News

Hill Country Dark Sky Conference Brings Together Regional Leaders to Protect the Night Sky

Fredericksburg, Texas – More than 75 leaders and advocates representing 15 counties and 40 communities across the Texas Hill Country gathered on May 28 for the Hill Country Dark Sky Conference, an annual event focused on strengthening regional efforts to preserve the area’s star-filled night skies.

Representing local governments, utilities, businesses, and state parks, attendees shared insights, explored emerging challenges, and developed connections to continue the advancement of dark sky preservation across the region.

More than 75 dark sky leaders and advocates from across the Hill Country gathered in Fredericksburg on May 28.

Hosted by the City of Fredericksburg in partnership with the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission and the Hill Country Alliance (HCA), the gathering was held at Fredericksburg City Hall – East Campus, bringing the conference to the heart of Fredericksburg, a recognized International Dark Sky Community.

Presentations highlighted local government initiatives, dark sky-friendly lighting practices, state park stewardship efforts, utility partnerships, and community-led advocacy. Speakers included representatives from Gillespie County, the City of Boerne, the Hill Country Alliance, Arup, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky, Comal County Friends of the Night Sky, and Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky. The full conference agenda and speaker list are available here.

A presentation on the Hill Country Alliance’s Friends of the Night Sky Resource Guide.

“When we held the first Hill Country Dark Sky Conference 8 years ago, it felt like the underlying message was that the Hill Country has something incredible and worth preserving in our star-filled skies, and many communities were just starting to see the need to actively protect them,” said Katherine Romans, HCA’s Executive Director. “Today, most of our region’s communities are fully involved. They know how to preserve our night skies, and they know why it matters. It’s no longer a few communities working to inspire and educate the rest of the region; everyone here has a success story to share and a lesson to teach their peers. The amount of progress we are seeing here is as inspiring as the stars themselves.”

A speaker reviews dark sky-friendly lighting design metrics.

As development continues to accelerate across Central Texas, communities throughout the Hill Country are working together to protect one of the region’s most treasured natural resources: its star-filled night skies. The return of the Hill Country Dark Sky Conference reflects the increasing commitment of local leaders, organizations, and residents to preserving this defining feature of the region.

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