About — Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky

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 — 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 — safety, security, commerce, beauty — 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 — 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.

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.

Vice President

Sheryl Pender

Sheryl Pender serves as the Immediate Past President of the Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program based in Kerrville, Texas. She served as the chapter's President through 2025 before transitioning into her current role on the board.

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.

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.

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.

About KCFNS

Neighbors. Advocates. Stargazers.

Preserve. Support. Educate. Protect.

Community Milestones

Meet Our Leaders

Join the Friends of the Night Sky