Get Involved

The easiest way to help the reserve is to use night sky friendly lighting practices at your own home or business, and tell others to do the same. The problem of light pollution is mostly due to a lack of awareness.

Already using good lighting practices? You can sign up for McDonald Observatory’s Lighting Recognition Program and be an example to others.

Donate

  • McDonald Observatory’s Dark Skies Fund uses donated funds to support lighting retrofits on buildings such as community centers, town halls, schools, libraries, or other public facing buildings in the reserve. Residences and businesses may also be eligible for support when need is demonstrated and the lighting is in the broader community interest. McDonald Observatory works with individual property owners to develop lighting solutions tailored to their needs. The Dark Skies Fund also helps pay for educational materials to support the reserve and broader Dark Skies Initiative.

Volunteer

  • Data Collection: In order to determine how dark our skies are and measure changes, routine measurements are taken of the night sky. You can submit your naked eye observations of the night sky to citizen-science effort Globe at Night. Observations within light polluted areas, such as in the middle of towns, are most useful. Additionally, you can collect data by using small, hand-held Sky Quality Meters (SQM). Measurements need to be taken annually from locations across the reserve and within Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. Volunteers can help by contributing measurements with a loaned unit or a personal device. This task may require driving long distances at night. Contact us for details.

  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Dark Sky Steward: Help Big Bend Ranch State Park by collecting photos and sky quality data from the park.

  • McDonald Observatory: Volunteers can participate in public outreach programs at the observatory, such as Star Parties, as well as other events as needed. Background checks may be required. Contact the observatory for details.

  • Become an Advocate with DarkSky International and receive resources and tools to help engage your community about dark skies.

Contact

Have a question or concern about lighting, the Reserve, or the night sky in general? Contact us here.