Wimberley Parks and Rec Awarded Night Sky Preservation Grant from Hill Country Alliance

The City of Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded $3,000 from the Hill Country Alliance Night Sky Preservation Fund to support night sky monitoring and dark sky education efforts at Blue Hole Regional Park.

The Night Sky Preservation Fund supports regional nonprofit organizations, local governments, and small businesses working to reduce light pollution, protect wildlife, and preserve the Hill Country’s night skies through improved outdoor lighting, public education, and sky quality monitoring.

Funding from the grant will be used to install a Sky Quality Meter (SQM) at Blue Hole Regional Park, allowing the ability to measure and track night sky brightness over time. Sky quality monitoring provides data that can inform responsible lighting practices and support long-term dark sky conservation efforts.

Remaining grant funds will be used to enhance existing public programming that supports dark sky initiatives, including Star Parties and the Howl at the Moon Dance. These events provide opportunities for community education, awareness, and engagement around night sky preservation and responsible outdoor lighting.

In its second year, the Night Sky Preservation Fund received 22 applications and selected 14 projects across 11 counties in the Hill Country, reflecting growing regional participation and collaboration around night sky protection.

This grant supports the City of Wimberley’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and complements broader conservation and education efforts within the parks system.

People observe the night sky at a Blue Hole Star Party.