Dark Skies Gold Tier Designation
Completed: February 2012
Amount Raised: $43,000
Top Donors: Big Bend License Plate Holders
About the Project
Big Bend Conservancy was proud to help Big Bend National Park earn its Gold Tier Designation from the International Dark Sky Association, recognizing the park for having the darkest, most pristine night skies in the lower 48 states. The park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park ensures that future generations can continue to experience this natural wonder.
Inspired by our partners at the McDonald Observatory in nearby Fort Davis, this collaborative project with the National Park Foundation and Musco Lighting upgraded park fixtures to protect the night sky. By creating “no-lighting zones,” redirecting fixtures, and installing energy-efficient bulbs, the park reduced energy use in the Chisos Basin by an incredible 98%. This achievement would not have been possible without the funds earned from Big Bend license plate holders! Thank you for helping keep Big Bend’s skies dark and its stars bright.