2 October 2025
The night sky is a treasured part of life in the Big Bend region – an awe-inspiring backdrop to our lives. Preserving it takes the support of all in our community. In this effort, three organizations with local properties – Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown, the Brewster County Courthouse, and Terlingua Ranch Lodge – are the latest to adopt nighttime lighting that helps keep our skies dark and stars bright.
“Magnificent night skies are part of the West Texas identity,” said Stephen Hummel, Dark Skies Initiative coordinator at McDonald Observatory. Each of the properties worked with the Observatory to adopt night sky friendly lighting practices: shielding lightbulbs at their facilities; opting for amber-colored hues; limiting lighting intensity; and automatically turning off lights when not in use. “The solutions are relatively simple and result in energy savings, safety improvements, and environmental benefits. It’s truly a win-win.”
Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown has greenhouses located in Marfa and Fort Davis. Making the most of the region’s sunny climate, they have a combined 100 acres of greenhouse that supply tomatoes and cucumbers to retailers and food service suppliers throughout the state and greater US.
“Back in 1996, one of the reasons we chose to build our greenhouses in far West Texas was for one of the same reasons McDonald Observatory is here - the region has among the highest number of clear-sky days in the country,” explained Helen Aquino, Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown director of brand marketing and communications.
While the company doesn’t use artificial lighting to grow crops, it still saw opportunities to reduce light pollution across its local farms. Working with McDonald Observatory, the company upgraded fixtures on the exterior of its greenhouses, loading bays, and security kiosks. This has resulted in improved visibility where the lights are aimed and of the stars above.
“We were delighted to learn about the Observatory’s Dark Sky lighting program,” said Aquino. “This allows us to expand on our ‘Good for the Earth’ growing practices to include our commitment to protecting the night sky from light pollution and preserve the ecosystem. I am happy our Texas teams came together with the help of McDonald Observatory to champion this important initiative that benefits the greater West Texas community.”
In nearby Alpine, the Brewster County Courthouse has also updated its outdoor lighting. Built in 1887, the iconic brick building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark. It remains in use today for administrative duties and public enjoyment. This combination of historic and civic interests posed unique lighting challenges.
“Effort was taken to ensure the new fixtures looked period appropriate,” explained Hummel. “They also had to provide sufficient illumination for events while meeting the county’s outdoor lighting regulations. In the end, they do all this while also using an estimated 25% less energy than the ones they replaced.”
As part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, Brewster County requires its properties to adopt responsible outdoor lighting. Established in 2022, the reserve spans 15,000 square miles and features some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States. That’s thanks to lighting ordinances in Brewster and three additional Big Bend counties.
“Brewster County is one of the most scenic places in Texas and we are very blessed to have such a dark sky to be enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike,” said the Honorable Greg P. Henington, Brewster County judge. “Protection of these dark skies against unwarranted light intrusion keeps us special in the minds of all Texans.”
Hayley DeArman, property owner services manager for Terlingua Ranch Lodge, echoed this sentiment. "Dark skies are one of our defining features, offering visitors a breathtaking experience while preserving the quiet beauty and sense of wonder that property owners and residents cherish.”
Terlingua Ranch Lodge is located between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. It offers visitors accommodation through cabins, camping, and RV sites, and amenities through a swimming pool, laundromat, café, and more. The Lodge worked with McDonald Observatory to update the lighting on all facilities across its 425-acre site.
“In many cases, existing lights were adjusted using filters instead of replacing the entire fixture, reducing waste and saving money,” said Hummel. In total, at least 30 fixtures were either modified or replaced.
“We hope to lead by example,” added DeArman, “showing how communities can safeguard these star-filled skies for generations to come.”
Anyone interested in joining the effort can learn more at McDonald Observatory's Dark Skies Initiative webpage. To help preserve the night skies it depends on for research, the Observatory established its Dark Skies Initiative in 2011. It raises awareness on the importance of dark night skies and helps properties adopt responsible lighting.
If you have or know of a property that follows night sky friendly lighting practices, you can nominate it to be recognized.
Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown has greenhouses located in Marfa and Fort Davis. While the company doesn’t use artificial lighting to grow crops, it still saw opportunities to reduce light pollution across its local farms. Image credit: Stephen Hummel, McDonald Observatory.
Built in 1887, the Brewster County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark. Image credit: Stephen Hummel, McDonald Observatory.
Pool at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge. The Lodge worked with McDonald Observatory to update the lighting on all facilities across its 425-acre site. Image credit: Stephen Hummel, McDonald Observatory.
