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Preserving the Meadow for Future Generations The Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve.

An oasis for plants, animals, and our community.

 

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Our Story

Welcome to the Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve, a 72-acre natural oasis in the midst of sprawling suburban development where you, your family, friends or loved ones are invited to celebrate the wonders of nature and the freedom of open space.

Our story begins in the mid-1970s when Frances Montgomery Williams became concerned that her family’s farmland on the border of Allen and Plano was in jeopardy of succumbing to the urban sprawl moving north from Dallas. Even though The Meadow was surrounded by thousands of acres of open farmland at the time, Frances knew that development was inevitable and future generations would have less and less access to open spaces and undeveloped land.

When a young child visiting the family farm couldn’t identify a pecan, Frances decided it was time to act. In 1981 she and her daughter, Amy Monier, established the Connemara Conservancy as one of the state’s first land trusts with a gift of 72 acres along Rowlett Creek and a directive that it “be perpetually preserved and maintained as an open meadow in such fashion to be pleasant and agreeable for people.”

Four decades later, The Meadow remains nature’s refuge, fulfilling its role as an avenue to connect people with nature thanks to the tireless efforts of passionate volunteers to restore native grasses, preserve wildlife habitats and protect The Meadow beauty for generations to come.

connemara flower symbol

Our Story

Welcome to the Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve, a 72-acre natural oasis in the midst of sprawling suburban development where you, your family, friends or loved ones are invited to celebrate the wonders of nature and the freedom of open space.

Our story begins in the mid-1970s when Frances Montgomery Williams became concerned that her family’s farmland on the border of Allen and Plano was in jeopardy of succumbing to the urban sprawl moving north from Dallas. Even though The Meadow was surrounded by thousands of acres of open farmland at the time, Frances knew that development was inevitable and future generations would have less and less access to open spaces and undeveloped land.

When a young child visiting the family farm couldn’t identify a pecan, Frances decided it was time to act. In 1981 she and her daughter, Amy Monier, established the Connemara Conservancy as one of the state’s first land trusts with a gift of 72 acres along Rowlett Creek and a directive that it “be perpetually preserved and maintained as an open meadow in such fashion to be pleasant and agreeable for people.”

Four decades later, The Meadow remains nature’s refuge, fulfilling its role as an avenue to connect people with nature thanks to the tireless efforts of passionate volunteers to restore native grasses, preserve wildlife habitats and protect The Meadow beauty for generations to come.

Celebrate Nature Preserve Events

Springtime Dinner in the Meadow, Saturday April 6, 2024

Join us for an evening under the sun and moon celebrating Springtime in the Meadow! Our annual fundraising dinner in...
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Total Solar Eclipse Viewing at Connemara Meadow April 8, 2024

View the rare total eclipse on Monday, April 8th from the beautiful Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve. Located on the border...
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2024 Connemara Bird Walk Schedule

Birders of all skill levels are welcome to our guided bird walks at the Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve. ***New Meeting...
Read More about 2024 Connemara Bird Walk Schedule