Five hospitality businesses in Terlingua and Fort Davis have worked with McDonald Observatory to improve outdoor lighting and help preserve the region’s dark skies.
Camp Elena, Far Flung Outdoor Center, the HAB and Stardust Big Bend in Terlingua, along with Camp Davis in Fort Davis, worked with the observatory’s Dark Skies Initiative to verify and upgrade outdoor fixtures to meet or exceed local lighting ordinances, according to the observatory.
“Preserving the night sky is critical for McDonald’s ability to conduct research,” said Stephen Hummel, the initiative’s coordinator. “But the benefits extend well beyond astronomy. Better lighting can improve human health, protect wildlife, lower energy costs, and create safer outdoor spaces.”
Dark skies also draw visitors to the Big Bend region. According to the observatory, 68% of respondents in a 2022 survey of visitors to the region said they pursued stargazing during their trips.
“The dark skies of Big Bend are one of the main reasons for people to visit the area,” said Yasir Mirza, owner of Stardust Big Bend, which offers cabins near Big Bend National Park’s Terlingua entrance. “Being in the hospitality business, it is our collective responsibility to maintain the dark skies because it is good for the environment and good for business.”
At Camp Davis, which offers tent and RV campsites on the southern edge of Fort Davis, owner Jessica Kinsey said protecting the night sky supports the experience guests seek.
“Our guests come here to disconnect and experience nature as it was meant to be seen, including the incredible stars above us,” Kinsey said. “We’re proud to do our part in protecting this resource for future generations.”
The initiative encourages property owners to use shielded fixtures, choose warm-colored bulbs, limit brightness to what is needed and turn lights off when they are no longer necessary.
Far Flung Outdoor Center owner Billy Barko said the changes made a noticeable difference.
“We got the new lights up at Far Flung Outdoor Center and honestly I’m surprised at how much of a difference they make,” Barko said.
Camp Elena uses red outdoor lighting and timed fixtures to reduce light pollution, co-founder Hannah Bitting said. The camping property also generates solar power and uses gray water as part of its conservation efforts.
“Preserving our dark skies is central to our sustainability mission,” Bitting said.
At the HAB, an off-grid vacation rental near Terlingua, owner Chris Montemayor provides telescopes for guests.
“I’ve been an amateur astronomer since I was 10 years old. I purposefully chose my location to maximize the dark sky experience,” Montemayor said.
McDonald Observatory launched its Dark Skies Initiative in 2010 and works with businesses, homeowners and public facilities to improve outdoor lighting. Changes can be as modest as replacing an unshielded fixture or switching to a warmer-colored bulb.
Properties interested in participating can receive guidance from the observatory and may qualify for recognition after implementing lighting practices that protect the night sky. Existing compliance with local lighting ordinances is not required to seek assistance.
