Shield Ranch Barton Creek has been certified as the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas by DarkSky International. This designation marks Texas’s 20th International Dark Sky Place, joining neighboring dark sky areas like Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, and Travis County Milton Reimers Ranch Park.
Shield Ranch, located 18 miles west of downtown Austin on the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country, spans 6,400 acres of protected wildland. This property, encompassing 10% of the Barton Creek watershed, has been under the stewardship of the Shield/Ayres/Bowen family since Fred and Vera Shield purchased it in 1938.
According to a press release, the ranch’s commitment to conservation extends beyond daylight hours. Robert Ayres, co-owner of Shield Ranch, emphasized the ecological importance of their dark sky initiatives, stating, “As advocates for wildlife conservation, we understand the importance of reducing outdoor lighting to reduce harmful impacts to wildlife, including migrating birds, as well as moths and other insects that are active at night.”
Shield Ranch’s journey to dark sky certification involved efforts to retrofit outdoor lighting and implement dark sky-compliant fixtures. The ranch conducted a thorough outdoor lighting inventory, achieving an 89% compliance rate at the time of application.
Blake Murden, CEO of the Shield Land Stewardship Group, expressed enthusiasm about the ranch’s potential impact, saying, “We look forward to joining other Dark Sky Places in the region. Shield Ranch will serve as a model to support and increase the number of dark sky initiatives in the area.”
Cindy Luongo Cassidy, president of Dark Sky Texas, also praised Shield Ranch for its efforts in protecting the nocturnal environment and educating others on controlling light pollution. She highlighted their commitment, suggesting that these efforts make them “ideal candidates for designation as an International Dark Sky Place.”
In addition, the ranch’s dedication to dark sky preservation, the campsite at Shield Ranch, which opened in fall 2022, offers immersive nature programs that include dark sky experiences. Located just 22 miles from downtown Austin, the site features an open-air pavilion, screened shelters, and miles of hiking trails.
The open-air pavilion can seat up to 96 people and includes a large gathering space for dining and programs, a commercial kitchen, restrooms, and offices. Large openings and fans cool the pavilion during the summer, while sliding wall panels, a fireplace, and a wood-burning stove make it suitable for cooler weather. The ground level is also equipped with an inclement weather room and rainwater storage tanks.
Eleven screened shelters, shaded by oaks and juniper, offer protection from insects and the elements, providing a cooler and more durable alternative to tents. These shelters, which sleep 74 people on cots, feature moveable panels.
For more information about Shield Ranch Barton Creek, visit shieldranch.com.
