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Our Story

About KCFNS

Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky is a group of neighbors united by a shared conviction β€” that the dark sky above the Texas Hill Country is worth fighting for.

Who We Are

Neighbors. Advocates. Stargazers.

Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky is a grassroots organization made up of Kerr County residents who believe that the dark sky is a natural resource β€” as fundamental to this region as the Guadalupe River and the cedar-covered hills.

We are not anti-light. We are pro-smart-light. We believe that outdoor lighting can serve its purpose β€” safety, security, commerce, beauty β€” without spilling wastefully into the sky, disrupting wildlife, harming human health, or erasing our view of the cosmos.

We work cooperatively with neighbors, local governments, and businesses to provide education, promote stewardship, and recognize those who get it right. We know that together we can accomplish more to carry this important work forward for the benefit of our community and future generations.

501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization
Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) (EIN: 85-3157725), effective May 7, 2026. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law under IRC Section 170.

Our Mission

Preserve. Support. Educate. Protect.

Preserve our dark sky as a fundamental natural resource, essential for plant and animal life, as well as for the Human Spirit, through education and community cooperation.

Support the vital role of the dark sky in contributing to the ecology, economy, and beauty of the Hill Country.

Educate our community in the perils of light pollution, the methods of mitigation, and the wonders that a dark sky reveals.

Protect the night and its dark sky for current and future generations.

Preserve
The dark sky is a natural heritage that connects us to our surroundings and to each other. We work to protect it before it's gone.
Support
A dark sky strengthens the Hill Country economy, ecosystem, and quality of life. We support those who recognize that value.
Educate
Most people haven't been told that their lighting choices have consequences. We change that β€” one neighbor, one business, one leader at a time.
Protect
Future generations deserve to see the Milky Way. That requires decisions made today, by people who know what's at stake.
What We've Done

Community Milestones

Kerr County Dark Sky Proclamation
Secured an official proclamation from the Kerr County Commissioners Court recognizing the importance of dark sky preservation.
Kerrville City Dark Sky Resolution
Worked with city council to pass a formal resolution supporting dark sky principles in the City of Kerrville.
Night Sky Friendly Business Program
Launched the recognition program and welcomed KPUB, Hill Country Lighting Center, and Pint & Plow as the first recognized businesses.
Volunteer Lighting Assessment Program
Trained volunteers to conduct outdoor lighting assessments for homes and businesses across the county.
Hill Country Night Sky Month
Participated in community events, craft activities, and education campaigns celebrating the Hill Country's night sky heritage.
Our Team

Meet Our Leaders

Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky is led by a dedicated group of volunteers from the Kerrville community who give their time to protect the night sky for everyone.

Kathleen Brinkman
President
Kathleen Brinkman
CEO, LDB Corporation
A Texas transplant and recovering attorney, Kathleen holds degrees from Hollins University (BA) and the University of Denver (JD & Masters in Environmental Management). She is a founding member of KCFNS and is committed to preserving, and enhancing, our Hill Country view of the Milky Way.
Sheryl Pender
Vice President
Sheryl Pender
Sheryl Pender is a native Texan and a retired clinical social worker and hospice nurse who returned to the Hill Country with her husband in 2018. A Texas Master Naturalist since 2019, she now serves as Immediate Past President of the Hill Country Chapter. Her advocacy turned skyward as a DarkSky International Advocate and Globe at Night citizen scientist — her mission is simple: raise awareness and lead the conversation toward reducing light pollution in our communities.
Sherie O'Neill
Secretary
Sherie O'Neill
Sherie O'Neill is an active and recognized community member in Kerrville, TX, known for her volunteer work and advocacy. She and her husband, Tom O'Neill, moved to the area in 2019 from San Diego and are actively involved in local organizations. Sherie has been recognized by the city for her work with the Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky, specifically helping to raise awareness about light pollution and Dark Sky conservation efforts.
Bruce Barton
Treasurer
Bruce Barton
Bruce Barton is a well-known local amateur astronomer and educator in Ingram, TX, recognized for his work with the Hill Country Astronomers and the Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky. A retiree from Texas Instruments, he and his wife Cathy moved to the Hill Country from north Texas in 2016. Active in his church and community, he often hosts public stargazing events and educational talks about celestial events in the Texas Hill Country.
Marian Clemens
Member at Large
Marian Clemens
Marian is a California transplant who moved to Kerrville five years ago. A retired UCSD librarian of 32 years with an English degree from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, she serves as 1st Vice President and bookstore manager for the Friends of the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library. Having grown up on a Wisconsin farm gazing at the Milky Way, she's passionate about helping children understand how light and darkness affect our community and the world around us.
Press & Media

In the News

Local newspapers are helping spread the word about protecting Kerr County's dark skies. Read the latest coverage below.

Featured Story

First Permanent Sky Quality Meter Installed in Kerr County

πŸ“° Covered by 3 Local Newspapers

On September 7, 2026, Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky installed its first permanent Sky Quality Meter, designated KC001, near an observatory north of Ingram. The meter will gather a baseline of local light pollution data to guide responsible outdoor lighting and support Kerrville's certification as a Dark Sky Community.

“It's a milestone in our efforts to mitigate light pollution around Kerr County, and we hope it's the first of many.” — Bruce Barton, KCFNS Board Member
Read the Coverage Dinner & Dark Skies · Oct 15
KC001
Sept 7, 2026
Near an observatory
north of Ingram
Blanco County Friends
of the Night Sky
Newspaper Coverage

Read the Articles

Select any story to open the original newspaper article as a PDF. Newest coverage is first.

Kerrville Daily Times headline: Friends of the Night Sky installs Sky Quality Meter to track local light pollution
The Kerrville Daily Times
Weekend, September 19–20, 2026 · Page 4C, Outdoors

Friends of the Night Sky installs Sky Quality Meter to track local light pollution

A staff report announcing KC001, the group's first permanent Sky Quality Meter. It explains how the data will build a baseline understanding of local light pollution, support Kerrville's Dark Sky Community certification, and invites everyone to the Dinner & Dark Skies event on October 15 at East End Pizza.

Where to find it: left-hand column, just below the Texas Master Naturalist story.

πŸ“„ Read Article (PDF)
West Kerr Current headline: Sky Quality Meter installed near Ingram to track light pollution
West Kerr Current
Thursday, September 17, 2026 · Front Page (continues on Page 10)

Sky Quality Meter installed near Ingram to track light pollution

The Ingram-based paper put the installation on its front page, covering the KC001 meter mounted north of Ingram, how it will be used to guide responsible outdoor lighting, and the plan to add more meters in the future.

Where to find it: lower-left of the front page, beside the “Leap of Faith” photo.

πŸ“„ Read Article (PDF)
Samuel Lartigue and Bruce Barton with the first Sky Quality Meter installed in Kerr County
Hill Country Community Journal
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · Page 10

Night Sky friends install first Sky Quality Meter

Features a photo of Samuel Lartigue of Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky and KCFNS board member Bruce Barton beside the newly installed meter. The story covers the installation, how the unit was acquired, and the volunteer training that followed.

Where to find it: top-right corner of the page, next to the September 11 remembrance story.

πŸ“„ Read Article (PDF)

Working on a story about dark skies, light pollution, or responsible outdoor lighting in the Hill Country? Get in touch β€” we'd be glad to help.

Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky

Join the Friends of the Night Sky

Our work depends on people like you β€” neighbors who care enough to get involved. Sign up for our mailing list, volunteer, or just spread the word.

Sign Up & Volunteer Contact Us