Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the wonders of the night sky in the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve with a full day and NIGHT of events Saturday April 18th!
Dark Skies/Earth Day – Saturday April 18, 1-4pm
During the Alpine Gem & Mineral Show
1-4pm Education & Outreach– We will have education and outreach partners setup along 12th street at the Alpine Civic Center. You can expect conservation and wildlife partners from around the Big Bend Region with information, activities and giveaways.
McDonald Observatory
Alpine Dark Sky Team
ABC Birds
Tierra Grande Texas Master Naturalists
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
SRSU Greenhouse/Agave Seed Propagation Project.
Texas A&M Forest Service
Borderlands Research Institute
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department – Davis Mountains State Park and Balmorhea State Park
SRSU Art Club – Face painting
Alpine Public Library
SRSU Archeology Club
SRSU Range and wildlife club
Talks and Presentations
In addition to the partner booths we will be hosting presentations in the Alpine Public Library all purpose room.
1pm – Lights Out – How light pollution disrupts bird migration
2pm – Dark Skies Program from McDonald Observatory
3pm – Gems & Minerals of the Big Bend
Children Programs – Library Children’s Wing
1pm Telescope 101 Mary Beth with Alpine Dark Skies will demonstrate how to use the library telescopes that are available for checkout.
2pm Eliana with BRI leads pollinator program and Patty Manning Garden scavenger hunt
3pm Story time w/ Casey ALP Children’s Library and themed activities or crafts.
2pm City of Alpine Dark Sky logo unveiling – The City of Alpine is the heart of Greater Big Bend International Dark Reserve. To honor the City’s commitment to preserving the dark skies the Mayor and City Council are adopting a new City logo. Everyone is invited to come see the reveal of the new logo.
2:30pm Dark Sky Coloring Book Winners Announced – In partnership with Alpine High School Art Program, Visit Alpine is sponsoring a Dark Sky Coloring Book art contest. Students will be submitting the coloring pages they draw featuring dark skies. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The drawings will be used to create a Dark Sky Coloring Book that will be distributed to Alpine Elementary Students.
NEW THIS YEAR 9pm Owl Walk led by BRI Dr Maureen Frank location Kokernot Lodge. Check back for registration details.
STAR PARTY! 9:30PM
Kokernot Park at Dusk
The night ends with an incredible Star Party at the Kokernot Park Soccer Field in Alpine led by McDonald Observatory Dark Sky Expert Stephen Hummel. After the walk through the stars look through high powered telescopes with expert operators to guide you and explain the wonders of the night sky. The Star Party is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! You will want to arrive at dusk and bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Dress warm for the temperature drop when the sun goes down.
McDonald Observatory is hosting a whole week of Dark Sky events! https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/dark-skies-festival
Find more information about the dark skies and how to preserve them https://visitalpinetx.com/attractions/#dark-sky-friendly-awards-recognitions-and-promotional-opportunities