Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky
Kerr County, Texas Hill Country

Our Night Sky Is
Worth Fighting For

Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky works with neighbors, businesses, and local leaders to protect one of our most precious natural resources — the dark sky above the Texas Hill Country.

Explore
Upcoming Event 🍕 Dinner & Dark Skies July 16 · 5–7 PM · East End Pizza, 1700 Water St. Kerrville
Learn More →

Who Are You? Find Your Path.

Whether you're a curious neighbor, a business owner, or a local official, there's a clear path for you to protect the Kerr County night sky.

🏡
For Residents
I Live Here & Want to Help
Simple steps any homeowner or renter can take to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky.
Your Journey
Start Learning
🏢
For Business Owners
Earn Night Sky Recognition
Become a certified Night Sky Friendly Business and show Kerr County you care about our community's natural heritage.
Your Journey
See Recognized Businesses
🏛️
For Local Leaders
Champion Community Recognition
Elected officials, city planners, and commissioners can lead Kerr County to become an official DarkSky Community.
Your Journey
Contact Our Team
🔭
For Curious Visitors
I'm New — Show Me the Sky
New to dark skies? Start here to discover why protecting the night matters and what makes Kerr County special.
Your Journey
Explore Activities

What Is Light Pollution?

Most of us know air and water pollution — but light can be a pollutant too. Inappropriate or excessive artificial light has serious consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate.

Much outdoor lighting used at night is inefficient, overly bright, and completely unnecessary — wasting energy by spilling light into the sky instead of illuminating what actually needs it.

☀️
Glare
Excessive brightness causing visual discomfort and reducing visibility
🌆
Skyglow
Brightening of the night sky over populated areas, washing out stars
💡
Light Trespass
Light falling where it is not intended or needed — into homes, habitats
🔦
Clutter
Confusing, excessive groupings of light sources that create disorientation
Learn More About Light Pollution

The Real Cost of Too Much Light

  • 🦋
    Harms Wildlife & Ecosystems
    Disrupts migration, reproduction, and feeding patterns of birds, insects, and mammals that depend on natural darkness.
  • 🧬
    Impacts Human Health
    Artificial light at night disrupts circadian rhythms, affecting sleep, immune function, and long-term wellbeing.
  • Wastes Energy & Money
    Misdirected light is wasted electricity. Fixing light pollution saves communities significant costs with no loss of safety.
  • 💰
    Threatens Our Economy
    Dark sky tourism is a growing industry. Protecting our skies sustains the Hill Country's unique appeal and economic draw.
  • 🌌
    Erases Our Connection to the Cosmos
    One third of humanity can no longer see the Milky Way. We are committed to ensuring Kerr County is never among them.
of humanity can no longer see the Milky Way
99%
of the US & Europe live under light-polluted skies
3
Night Sky Friendly businesses recognized in Kerrville
generations who deserve to see the stars

Three Ways to Make a Difference

Whether you have five minutes or five years, there's a meaningful way for you to protect the Kerr County night sky.

01
Fix Your Lighting at Home
Simple swaps make a big difference. Shield downward-facing fixtures, choose warm-color LEDs (3000K or less), add motion sensors, and turn off lights you don't need. Every porch light that points down instead of up matters.
02
Get Your Business Recognized
Night Sky Friendly certification signals that your business is a community steward. Join KPUB, Hill Country Lighting Center, and Pint & Plow on the recognized businesses list — customers notice and appreciate it.
03
Champion Policy Change
Lasting protection requires smart ordinances. Learn about the Kerr County Dark Sky Proclamation and Kerrville's Dark Sky Resolution, and help build momentum for county-wide lighting standards and IDA community recognition.

🌟
Night Sky Friendly Business Program Businesses that meet lighting best practices earn recognition from Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky — and the trust of the community.
Apply for Recognition

Night Sky Friendly Businesses

These Kerrville businesses have stepped up. Support them — and ask others to follow their lead.

⭐ Recognized
KPUB — Kerrville Public Utility Board
Kerrville's municipal utility has embraced dark sky lighting principles and is helping the community make smarter lighting choices.
Visit KPUB →
⭐ Recognized
Hill Country Lighting Center
Specializes in dark sky compliant fixtures and lighting solutions — the go-to source for residents and businesses making the switch.
Visit Hill Country Lighting →
⭐ Recognized
Pint & Plow Brewing Co.
This local craft brewery is leading by example with responsible outdoor lighting that keeps the night welcoming without polluting the sky.
Visit Pint & Plow →
Is Your Business Next?
Join the growing list of Kerrville businesses that are making a real difference. Our team will walk you through what it takes and provide free guidance through the process.
Get Your Business Recognized
⚖️ Article X · Outdoor Lighting Ordinance · City of Kerrville

Countdown to Starlight

Nonconforming outdoor lighting shall be brought into compliance with Kerrville's Article X Lighting Ordinance. The clock is ticking.

📋 Read Article X Ordinance →
--
Years
·
---
Days
calculating…

Resources & Research

Everything you need to understand light pollution, make the case to your neighbors, and take action — from local analysis to national research.

View All Resources
✦ Preserve ✦ Support ✦ Educate ✦ Protect

Join the Movement

Kerr County's dark skies are a natural treasure — and a community effort to protect. Whether you volunteer, attend an event, or just fix your porch light, you're part of something bigger. Together we can keep the stars visible for generations to come.