Night Programs Training
Photo credit: Jonathan and Amy Jackson
This June, Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the Travis County Parks Foundation are teaming up to train a dedicated crew of astronomy volunteers. Both organizations host monthly astronomy nights, and we’re excited to collaborate in building a strong, knowledgeable volunteer base to support these programs.
Join us for a multi-evening training series:
June 27th 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM BCP Building
July 25th 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM Travis County Natural Resources Field Office
August 22nd 8:00-10:30 PM Milton Reimers Ranch Observatory
- Learn to operate a telescope and identify celestial objects and constellations
- Discover constellation stories from around the world
- Practice hands-on educational activities covering the solar system, moon phases, stars, and the importance of natural darkness for wildlife
- Prepare for cloudy skies with sensory night hike training
- Wrap up with a practical session where you lead a topic of your choice
As a trained volunteer, you’ll support a variety of astronomy programming—from large public events to smaller, immersive experiences. Travis County BCP will also host astronomy nights deeper in the preserve that combine stargazing with habitat restoration efforts like sunset tree watering.
This training is also part of a larger vision: the Travis County Parks Foundation (led by Amy Jackson) is developing a Night Sky Explorers Patch Program, and this new volunteer team will be key to making it happen.
We’re looking for 12 dedicated volunteers to help connect people to the night sky. We hope you’ll join us!