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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

Artists in the Meadow

Calling all sketchers, painters, photographers! ARTISTS IN THE MEADOW Saturday, May 27    9am - 2pm Connemara Meadow’s spring wildflower...
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March Wildflower Fundraiser

Do you love wildflowers in Connemara?    Please consider supporting our mission to beautify and preserve the Connemara Conservancy.  Wildflowers...
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Prescribed Burn at Connemara Thursday, Jan. 26

The January 26, 2023 prescribed burn at Connemara was a tremendous win for the Meadow, one that has been years...
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