Please note that this is a linearly organized legacy file of events occurring prior to July, 2010.

After July, 2010, events and the photosets will be archived in a more structured fashion.

News Archive                2010         2009         2008         2007

2010                                                                                                                         Top of Page

July

* Important Zoning Issue
The zoning request successfully passed 6/0.

May

* Connemara Celebrates Mother’s Day With Music, Storytelling from Early Texas
May 9, 2010. Time travel?  Visitors to Connemara had a chance to experience it real-time in the beautiful Pecan Grove on the Meadow.  Mother’s Day afternoon found hardy souls braving the cooler temperatures and grey skies to enjoy the music, stories, laughter and yarn tricks that were part of the Pioneer Prairie Days performance by Suzanne and Jim, musicians, and Twice Upon a Time Storytellers, Peggy and Gene.  Dressed in costumes from the late 1800’s, the duos enthralled the audience with their talent as we sang along to “Oh, Susanna” and wove cats’ cradles, Jacob’s ladder and other small miracles out of pieces of yarn.  Sitting on picnic cloths listening as a squirrel saved a family’s quest to bake biscuits with “sody saleratus” while the real squirrels jumped in the trees overhead and then taking lessons in “playing the spoons” was a delightful experience for all ages.    Many thanks to our performers and all who attended for making this Mother’s Day in the Meadow such a special one!

April

* Family Nature Walk: "Water Wading Day"
Apr 25, 2010. Our own Carol and Richard Clark led the final program in our series which focused on water.  The children all came clad in boots, tipping us off that everyone was looking forward to the activities of the day. Carol gave an excellent presentation on watersheds prior to sharing several points of interest along the walk to and from the Meadow.  Once back at the entry pond, the children had a great time combing the pond’s edge, scooping up living treasures in their nets, and identifying them with Carol and Richard’s help. See the family activities page for more details.

* Family Nature Walk: Blackland Raptor Center Visit
Apr 18, 2010. Our friends from the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center brought along a Great Horned Own, a Red-shouldered Hawk named Pippin, and an American Kestrel to our Sunday afternoon Family outing on April 18th.  Parents and children got to see the birds and hear their rescue stories.  Thanks to the ladies who took time to bring us these birds, we all acquired a deeper appreciation of the meadow and the present-day challenges raptors face.

* Little Bluestem Transplanting
Apr 17, 2009. Nearby, Collin County has acquired a section of right-of-way that includes a pasture with abundant big bluestem native prairie grass. Soon, this area will be cleared of existing vegetation to build a tollway. We are excited to have the opportunity to preserve these Blackland Prairie remnants. Texas Master Naturalists and other volunteers to reintroduced little bluestem to the Connemara Meadow Preserve. See the restoration page for more details.

* Family Nature Walk: "The Meadow is Bug and Family Friendly "
Apr 11, 2010. On April 11 th attendance reached another high proving the popularity of bugs!  Kim Schofield, an entomologist with AgriLife Extension, was our guest expert.  Kim is a ‘natural’ when it comes to sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm about the smallest creatures of the meadow.  The children got to use nets and magnifying glasses as they roamed the trails.  With so many attending, we’d like to find a way to clone her next time to insure that everyone enjoys her teaching!  Much to the children’s enjoyment and their mothers’ angst, Art MacKinnon found an enchanting small green vine snake on the path that everyone viewed at arm’s length.

* Meadow Preserve Open House
Apr 11, 2010. The Meadow Preserve was open for an open house when friends and members of Connemara enjoyed the day.

* Photography Walk with Bob Mione
Apr 11, 2010. Bob Mione hosted a photography walk for photographers of all types -- new, not so new, young, old, not so old, pro's, etc -- for an opportunity to take a wide variety of photos in the Connemara Meadow Preserve. Bob shared rules for taking outstanding nature photographs.

* Habitats with Rich Jaynes
Apr 10, 2010. Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use.

* Walk and Talk in the Meadow
Apr 10, 2010: Attracting Birds and Butterflies to your Garden and Texas Wildscapes - Walk and Talk in the Meadow
Whether you want to transform your landscape into a habitat for wildlife or just attract winged beauties (butterflies and birds), Nancy will discuss the necessary ingredients for each type of garden, with illustrations of Texas natives and well-adapted plants and design techniques that will make your outdoor living spaces attractive and user friendly for everyone.  A walk and talk in the Meadow sharing ideas for composing a wildlife garden with take-home plant lists.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Apr 4, 2010. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. You can expect about 30+ species. The walk is planned to take about three hours. All ages are welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellant. See more about walks in the Meadow.

* Habitats with Rich Jaynes
Mar 27, 2010. Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use.

* Family Nature Walk: "Birds Birds Birds"
Mar 14, 2010. Our Family Nature Walks continue to be a big success as families look for ways to relax, and enjoy the simpler pleasures in life close to home.  The natural beauty of the Meadow always brings out the best in everyone and it certainly did this spring!See the family activities page for more details.

* Meadow Preserve Open House
Mar 14, 2010. The Meadow Preserve was open for an open house when friends and members of Connemara enjoyed the day.

* Photography Walk with Bob Mione
Mar 14, 2010. Bob Mione hosted a photography walk for photographers of all types -- new, not so new, young, old, not so old, pro's, etc -- for an opportunity to take a wide variety of photos in the Connemara Meadow Preserve. Bob shared rules for taking outstanding nature photographs.

* Woody Invasives Removal Work Day
Mar 13, 2010. A team of volunteers and staff worked in the Connemara Meadow Preserve to cut out smaller invasive trees and shrubs and severing larger woody invasives. This work is necessary to guard the preserve against the continuous efforts by plants such as Chinese privet to gain a foothold in the preserve. See the restoration page for more details.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Mar 6, 2010. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. You can expect about 30+ species. The walk is planned to take about three hours. All ages are welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellant. See more about walks in the Meadow.

* Winter Tree Walk with Jim Varnum
Feb 20, 2010. Pecan, Bur Oak, Hackberry, Elm. These are just four of the 30+ different trees at Connemara Meadow. Master Naturalist Jim Varnum leads a walk through the Pecan Grove to point them out and teach you how to identify trees in winter before leaves appear. It is easier than you think. Jim will also point out winter color (berries and early wildflowers) and birds. All ages are welcome. Bring your cameras and binoculars. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellant.See more about walks in the Meadow.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Feb 7, 2009. Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society led a bird walk in the Meadow, learning what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Jan 2, 2009. Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society led a bird walk in the Meadow, learning what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls.

* Family Nature Club: "Nature Rocks"
Dec 13, 2009. Connemara Conservancy is partnering with Nature Rocks, a national campaign to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature. Several families experienced the wonders of nature in the Connemara Meadow Preserve. See the family activities page for more details.

* Habitats with Rich Jaynes
Dec 12, 2009. Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use.

* Meadow Preserve Open House
Dec 13, 2009. The Meadow Preserve was open for an open house when friends and members of Connemara enjoyed the day.

* Photography Walk with Bob Mione
Dec 13, 2009. Bob Mione hosted a photography walk for photographers of all types -- new, not so new, young, old, not so old, pro's, etc -- for an opportunity to take a wide variety of photos in the Connemara Meadow Preserve. Bob shared rules for taking outstanding nature photographs.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Dec 6, 2009. Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society led a bird walk in the Meadow, learning what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls.

* Speaking Engagement with Author Matt White: Native Environmentalist shares tales of destruction and stewardship
Dec 6, 2009. Connemara Conservancy hosted “A Special Evening with Matt White,” author of Prairie Time: A Blackland Portrait, at The Lofts Conference Room at Watters Creek in Allen, Texas.

November

* Skip Barnett Donates an Easement on Another 442 Acres of Ranch Land to Connemara Conservancy
Nov 2009. This month, Connemara Conservancy accepted a new conservation easement on several tracts of agricultural lands in western Denton County, Texas. Just 20 miles west of Denton, this area has been experiencing the pressures of urban growth and fragmentation of historical rangelands and native grass pastures into ranchettes and bedroom communities by expansion of the metropolitan area. Skip Barnett, one of Connemara's long time supporters and member of the Advisory Council, has completed his second easement donation to Connemara Conservancy on his 442-acre ranch site near the Wise County boundary. The ranch site contains the family homestead, built in 1914 and certified as a Family Land Heritage Property site by the State of Texas Department of Agriculture. Other notable features on the easement property include a 10-acre area of high quality native prairie and regular occurrences of quail along the fence rows. Over 80% of the pastures and forage crop lands included in the easement are underlain by soils classified as Prime Farmland Soils by the NRCS. The easement adjoins Mr. Barnett's other conservation easement on his 548-acre cattle ranch, and his 438 acres of native grasslands fields that are protected under a NRCS Grassland Reserve Program. Connemara is pleased to be a partner with Skip Barnett in the protection of over 1,400 acres of prime ranch land here in North Texas

* Family Nature Club: "Nature Rocks"
Nov 22, 2009. Connemara Conservancy's Nature Rocks series continued to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature.

* Habitats with Rich Jaynes
Nov 21, 2009. Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use.

* Little Bluestem Transplanting
Nov 14, 2009. Nearby, Collin County has acquired a section of right-of-way that includes a pasture with abundant big bluestem native prairie grass. Soon, this area will be cleared of existing vegetation to build a tollway. We are excited to have the opportunity to preserve these Blackland Prairie remnants. Texas Master Naturalists and other volunteers to reintroduced little bluestem to the Connemara Meadow Preserve. See the restoration page for more details.

* Meadow Preserve Open House
Nov 8, 2009. The Meadow Preserve was open for a day. Friends and members of Connemara enjoyed several scheduled activities.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
* Photography Walk with Bob Mione
* Family Nature Club: "Nature Rocks"

* An Evening with Richard Louv, Author of Last Child in the Woods
Nov 5, 2009. Friends, members and staff of Connemara Conservancy attended a lecture by Richard Louv at the Dallas Arboretum. Since its initial publication, his book Last Child in the Woods has created a national conversation about the disconnection between children and nature, and his message has galvanized an international movement. On this evening, Mr. Louv shared his passion for reconnecting children with nature and answered questions about how we can help Dallas' children have a brighter future by creating happier, healthier and smarter kids! A book signing will follow the lecture.

October

* Habitats with Rich Jaynes
Oct 31, 2009. Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use.

* Family Nature Club: "Nature Rocks"
Oct 25, 2009. Connemara Conservancy's Nature Rocks series continued to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature.

* Family Nature Club: "Nature Rocks"
Oct 11, 2009. Research indicates that children who play in nature are happier, healthier and smarter. Connemara Conservancy is partnering with Nature Rocks, a national campaign to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Oct 4, 2009. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. See the bird sightings for this walk.

* Fall Wildflowers with Jim Varnum
Oct 3, 2009. Sunflowers, goldenrods, gayfeathers and eryngos are just some of the colorful fall wildflowers in the North Texas grasslands. Plant and wildflower guru Jim Varnum led a walk through the Meadow to point out fall wildflowers and helped fellow walkers identify them on their own.

September

* Family Nature Club: "Nature Rocks"
Sep 27, 2009. Research indicates that children who play in nature are happier, healthier and smarter. Connemara Conservancy is partnering with Nature Rocks, a national campaign to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature.

* Habitats with Rich Jaynes
Sep 19, 2009. Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Sep 5, 2009. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. See the bird sightings for this walk.

* Connemara Conservancy Names Luanne Samuel Executive Director
Sep 4, 2009. Connemara Conservancy has named veteran nonprofit and education professional Luanne Samuel to the position of executive director. In her role, Samuel will manage Connemara's operations in all areas including administrative and committee support, easement acquisition, fundraising and outreach to potential land partners.

"Connemara is a recognized leader in the protection and conservation of the natural landscapes and ecosystems in North Texas," said Samuel. "I'm honored to join this team and look forward to helping this organization preserve the natural beauty of North Texas for generations to come."

Samuel previously managed development efforts for Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), served as president of the World Craniofacial Foundation and most recently was director of development for The LEAGUE, a school-based system that combines state standards-based lesson plans with community service events. Samuel earned her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation in 2002. She is also a trustee and board president of the U.S. Foundation of the International School in Geneva, and the 2009 Dallas chapter president for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. A native Texan, Samuel and her family spent 25 years living throughout Venezuela, England, Greece, Belgium, Switzerland and France before moving back to Texas in 2000.

August

* Dallas Morning News Article: Collin County's Connemara Meadow Preserve being restored to its former glory
Aug 26, 2009. "Not a few people love Connemara, a haven of green and quiet off busy Alma Drive on the border of Plano and Allen. And those who know it best say the meadow is making a comeback, in biodiversity and overall health, after a period of heavy use. But public access to the privately owned conservation area remains limited to weekend tours led by volunteers like Jaynes. Those in charge of the meadow would like to see it open again on a daily basis – on the meadow's terms. That means gentle use, no pets, and a staff member on-site to make sure nature, not recreation, is the priority..."
Read the full article.

* Habitats with Rich Jaynes
Aug 15, 2009. Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use. All ages are welcome.

* Bird Walk with Rodney Thomas
Aug 2, 2009. Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. See the bird sightings for this walk.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Jul 4, 2009. On Independence Day, Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. See the bird sightings for this walk.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Jun 7, 2009. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. See the bird sightings for this walk.

* Waterways and Habitat Walk with RJ Taylor
Jun 13, 2009 RJ Taylor, Conservation Director for Connemara Conservancy, led a group in exploring the Meadow Preserve's streams, ponds and forested areas to learn how the natural processes lead to the formation of this land. RJ discussed how the site fits into the drainage in the watershed and why any action in this watershed can affect residents in both Collin and Dallas Counties. RJ described the geological history of the area and examined the erosion and deposition processes that carved the landscape and how different soils and land elevations have led to different vegetation groupings on the property. Strolling through the property, participants observed how wetlands and forested corridors along the rivers aid in reducing flooding, filtering pollutants, and providing valuable habitat for the area.

* First Day of Summer - Walk with Jim Varnum
Jun 20, 2009. Celebrating the summer solstice - the day when the Sun is farthest north - Texas Master Naturalist, Jim Varnum, led a walk through the meadow to point out the early summer grasses and wildflowers. The prairies and grassland of mid-America become a rising sea of grasses and wildflowers during this season and as expected, the summer wildflowers are taller than the spring ones to rise above the grasses for sunlight for their photosynthesis, including tall sunflowers, thistles, ironweeds, and goldenrods.

* Spring Wildflowers on the Meadow with Jim Varnum
May 23, 2009. In the merry month of May the spring wildflowers are at their peak. Texas Master Naturalist, Jim Varnum, led a large group on a walk through the upper Meadow Preserve to point out wildflowers and explain some of his tricks to identify them. Changes since April include Yucca now blooming, purple ruellias, Texas vervain, green-colored milkweeds, and many others. See pictures from the walk.

* Donations Doubled for One Day
May 20, 2009. Connemara Conservancy Foundation joined Donor Bridge in its effort to help North Texas become more-informed donors and nonprofits become better collaborators. DonorBridge is a new online database that makes mutual connections between nonprofit organizations, donors and supporters. It profiles comprehensive, results-oriented information about the Conservancy and its programs, as well as hundreds of other DFW nonprofits. On May 20, 2009, Donor Bridge was launched and donations to the Connemara Conservancy Foundation were doubled with a dollar-for-dollar match.

* Exploring a Different Habitat
May 17, 2009. The third in this spring's family adventure series introduced children to the 'forest floor habitat'. Children climbed on rocks, looked under logs, and gazed at the sky through a canopy of trees.

* Woody Invasives Removal Work Day
May 16, 2009. A team of volunteers and staff worked in the Connemara Meadow Preserve to cut out smaller invasive trees and shrubs and severing larger woody invasives. This work is necessary to guard the preserve against the continuous efforts by plants such as Chinese privet to gain a foothold in the preserve. See the restoration page for more details.

* Spring Wildflowers on the Meadow with Rich Jaynes
May 9, 2009. By May, spring wildflowers are at their peak before becoming intermixed with summer ones. Texas Master Naturalist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to enjoy the spectacular displays of wildflowers in the fields of the Meadow Preserve.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
May 2, 2009. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. See the bird sightings for this walk.

* Springtime on the Meadow - Wildflower Walk with Jim Varnum
April 25, 2009. In April wildflowers peek through the grasses on meadows and prairies. What is this flower? It's a fleabane daisy. How about that one? Oh, it's called kisses. Why kisses? Texas Master Naturalist Jim Varnum led a walk through the Meadow Preserve to point out wildflowers and teach visitors some of his tricks to identify them.

* Family Nature Club: Tracking Families in Nature
April 19, 2009. Fmailies explored a stream and meadow habitat and learned who lived here long ago.

* Restoration Work Day: Big Bluestem Rescue
April 18, 2009. Nearby, Collin County has acquired a section of right-of-way that includes a pasture with abundant big bluestem native prairie grass. Soon, this area will be cleared of existing vegetation to build a tollway. We are excited to have the opportunity to preserve these Blackland Prairie remnants. See the restoration page for more details.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
April 5, 2009. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. See the bird sightings for this walk.

March

* Restoration Work Day: Woody Invasives Removal
March 28, 2009. A small group of hardy volunteers worked to remove smaller invasive trees and shrubs and larger woody invasives. This restoration work guards against the continuous efforts by plants such as Chinese privet to gain a foothold in the preserve. See the restoration page for more details.

* Family Nature Club: Springtime Comes to the Meadow
March 22, 2009. Several families enjoyed a 'Nature Break' as they learned what a meadow is and talked about the plants and animals that call the meadow their home.

* Early Spring Wildflowers with Jim Varnum
March 15, 2009. Wildflowers bloom early in Texas , a few in January, more in February and still more in March. By March, golden groundsel, shepherd's purse, stork's-bill, elbow bush and anemones and others are in bloom. Master Naturalist Jim Varnum led a walk through the Meadow and Pecan Grove to point out early bloomers and discuss how to identify them.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
March 7, 2009. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. See the bird sightings for this walk. See the bird sightings for this walk.

February

* 2009 Texas Land Trust Conference
February 19 - 21, 2009. The 2009 Statewide Land Trust Conference featured expanded content in Conservation Easements and Appraisals, Federal Tax Incentives for Conservation, Funding, Conservation Development, Land Trust Operations, Baseline Documentation, Emerging Energy and Power Issues, and more! The Texas Land Trust Council (TLTC) partnered with land/water/sky conservation real estate to host this year's conference in order to provide expansive coverage in land conservation topics. For information about this year's conference, see the TLTC website

* Winter Tree Walk with Jim Varnum
February 15, 2009. Pecan, Bur Oak, Hackberry, Elm. These are just four of the 30+ different trees at Connemara Meadow. Master Naturalist Jim Varnum led a walk through the Pecan Grove to point out trees and teach how to identify them in winter before leaves appear.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
February 1, 2009. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. Highlights were beginning breeding activity -- increasing bird song, Eastern Bluebirds in pairs near nest boxes, fresh nests and actual mating seen for both the Red-shouldered Hawks and the Red-tailed Hawks. See the bird sightings for this walk.

* RJ Taylor named Conservation Director
January 26, 2009. RJ Taylor has joined Connemara Conservancy as Conservation Director to manage existing conservation easements, cultivate new easements and conduct outreach to potential land partners. See the Press Release for more details

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
January 3, 2009. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led the monthly bird walk in the Connemara Meadow Preserve, teaching the group what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls.

* Workshop - Nature Journaling with Kirk Evans
Dec 14, 2008. Kirk Evans led a small group in the Connemara Meadow Preserve to learn how to keep a nature journal throughout the seasons through the techniques of observation and field sketching. This workshop was offered free-of-charge. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

* Bird Walk with Rodney Thomas
Dec 7, 2008. Rodney Thomas, with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led a large group on a bird walk to learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. Highlight was the Gray Catbird which was initially dismissed as a mockingbird. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

November

* Habitats with Rich Jaynes
Nov 22, 2008. Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, led a small group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

* Fall Foilage with Jim Varnum
Nov 8, 2008. A brilliant quilt of fall colors can be found in North Texas. Instead of vast displays of color like the Northeaster U.S., Texas has pockets of autumnal glory. Texas Master Naturalist, Jim Varnum, led a group to discuss trees found in the Connemara Meadow Preserve and explain the difference between oak, elm, sycamore, ash, sumac, redbud, pecan, and others. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

* Watersheds and Wetlands with RJ Taylor
Nov 2, 2008. The streams in our area serve as both water sources for us and our environment, and as the drainage system for carrying storm water away from our communities. RJ Taylor, a Professional Wetland Scientist, led a group to explore the streams, ponds and forested areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve and observe how wetlands and forested corridors along rivers aid in reducing flooding, filtering pollutants, and providing valuable habitat for our area. The group discussed the importance of properties like the Connemara Meadow Preserve in protecting our rivers and lakes. Strolling through the meadow, the group also looked at the lands and surrounding neighborhoods from a watershed perspective. They discussed where this area fits into the drainage area that feeds our sources of drinking water in North Dallas. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

* Birding with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas
Nov 1, 2008. Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led a large group on a bird walk to observe over 35 species. Highlights were the sighting of Meadowlarks; seen for the first time in several years. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

* Family Nature Club - Family Night Walk
Oct 18, 2008. At Connemara's first night walk, children and families spent time listening night sounds. No owls were heard but bats were seen flying and a few fireflies were sighted as well.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm
Oct 5, 2008. Gailon Brehm, President of Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, led a a bird walk. Gailon explained what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

* Habitat Walk with Rich Jaynes
Oct 4, 2008. Texas Master Naturalist and Botanist, Rich Jaynes, led a group to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

* Family Nature Club - Reconnect with Nature
Sep 27, 2008. Connemara Meadow Preserve hosted its first Family Nature Club event. Master Gardener, Nancy Furth, introduced families to the wonders of nature. Children and parents took a short stroll and discovered all that is alive in the meadow.

* Fall Wildflowers with Jim Varnum
Sep 21, 2008. Master Naturalist Jim Varnum led a fall wildflower walk though the grasslands of the Connemara Meadow Preserve to look for wildflowers, bees, butterflies and birds. The second wave of prairie wildflowers each year begins in late August and extends into November. These late bloomers are on taller plants so as to compete with the prairie grasses for precious sunlight for photosynthesis. The group saw vibrant yellow goldenrods and sunflowers, purple ironweed and eryngo, and white eupatorium. Of course, some shorter plants were also sighted including broomweed, green milkweed, crow poison, and others. Go to the meadow page for pictures from the walk.

* Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm
Sep 6, 2008. Gailon Brehm, President of Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society led a bird walk through the Connemara Meadow Preserve and Gardens of Connemara. 34 species were identified, a good cross section of bird species including migrating Baltimore Orioles. See the meadow page for more details. Go to the meadow page for pictures and a bird list from the walk.

* Connemara Loses Long-Time Leader and Friend, Otto Wetzel
Aug 20, 2008. On July 31, 2008, Connemara Conservancy lost one of our tireless crusaders – Otto Wetzel. Otto was one of the founding members of the Connemara Conservancy Board of Trustees and served for over 20 years. In the earliest days, he helped Frances Williams form Connemara Conservancy to protect her seventy-two acres of land and establish the organization as one of Texas' first land trusts. He served as the Treasurer for many years. Most recently, he was named to serve on Connemara’s Advisory Council. “He was a Renaissance man who was always light years ahead of his time in his thinking,” commented Amy Monier. Read more about Otto's community service on the Dallas Morning News website.

* Sustaining Membership Available
Aug 14, 2008. Connemara Conservancy announces its Sustaining Member feature which allows you to make a long-term impact protecting the countryside while keeping to your budget by donating a regular amount each month or quarter.  As a Sustaining Member, you will receive ongoing updates on our efforts as well invitations to participate in Connemara events.  Become a Sustaining Member by donating online today!

* Connemara seeks a full-time Conservation Director
Aug 1, 2008. Connemara Conservancy is seeking an experienced leader with vision and passion in land conservation with a background of accomplishment to develop and maintain all aspects of a comprehensive land conservation program across North Texas. The Conservation Director is responsible for the strategic implementation of our mission.

July

* Nature Photography Workshop with Janice Eddington
Jul 24, 2008. Professional photographer, Janice Eddington, returned to the Meadow Preserve to conduct a second nature photography workshop. This time, the group learned about and captured images of nature in the waning light of sunset.

* Connemara's Work Featured on WFAA Channel 8 News
Jul 22, 2008. North Texas boasts being one of the fastest-growing areas in the country but some worry it comes at too high a price. The state has declared conserving the region's eco-system a top priority and efforts are growing to convince builders to back off the bulldozer. See a video of the news segment on WFAA's website.

* Prairies with Rich Jaynes
July 12, 2008. Environmental Scientist and Botanist, Rich Jaynes, discussed the ever changing features of the Connemara Meadow Preserve in mid-summer -- wildflowers are still present but somewhat diminished as the tall prairie grasses dominate. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* Birdwatching with Gailon Brehm
July 5, 2008. Gailon Brehm, President of Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society and Connemara Conservancy Board Member, led a small group to watch birds in the Meadow Preserve and Gardens of Connemara. 36 species were indentified, including Green Herons for the first time in a good while. Dickcissels, Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and flycatchers were other highlights. Also spotted American Bullfrog, Eastern Cottontail, and an unknown species of turtle. Go to the meadow page to see pictures and a bird list from the walk.

* Connemara Meadow Preserve Featured in Dallas Morning News
June 28, 2008. Dallas Morning News featured an article spotlighting the guided walks through the Connemara Meadow Preserve this summer. Shelly Loy, a neighbor and walk participant was quoted in the artle. "All the birds were out, and the flowers were in full bloom. It was a nice change of pace," Mrs. Loy said. "With our busy lives and urban crowding, we often miss the beauty found in our own back yards." Read the full article at their site. One correction: the phone number listed in the article is incorrect. It should be 214-351-0990.

* Prairie Walk with Jim Varnum
June 28, 2008. Texas Master Naturalist Jim Varnum talked about the changes occurring as summer temperatures rise - updating the group on how prairie restoration projects are progressing in the Connemara Meadow Preserve and pointing out summer wildflowers like milkweed and sensitive mimosa in bloom. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* Nature Photography Workshop with Janice Eddington
June 14, 2008. Professional photographer, Janice Eddington, led a large group in capturing images of the Connemara Meadow Preserve early on a Saturday morning. Janice explained how to compose a good photograph and other tips on photographing nature.

* Wildflowers and Prairies with Rich Jaynes
June 7, 2008. Environmental Scientist and Botanist, Rich Jaynes, discussed the changes occurring as summer begins -- updating the group on how prairie restoration projects are progressing in the Connemara Meadow Preserve. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* History of the Land with Amy Monier
June 4, 2008. Co-founder, Amy Monier, led an evening walk to share how Connemara Meadow Preserve came into the care of Connemara Conservancy. As the third-generation in her family to have a connection to this land, Amy shared her story as well as that of her mother, Frances Montgomery Williams and their love of this land. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* Birdwatching with Gailon Brehm
June 1, 2008. Gailon Brehm, President of Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society and Connemara Conservancy Board Member, led a small group to watch birds in the Meadow Preserve and Gardens of Connemara to conduct a breeding bird survey. Good representation of the expecting breeding birds were present. Dickcissels continue to be seen and heard. Other vertebrates were Eastern Fox Squirrel, Texas Garter Snake, and a small, dark skink (likely Ground Skink or possibly Southern Coal Skink). Go to the meadow page for pictures and a bird list from the walk.

* Thistle Removal in Meadow Preserve
May 19, 2008. The ecology club and student council from Norton Elementary School in Allen and members of Connemara Conservancy thinned out thistle and wild cabbage populations at a work event in the Connemara Meadow Preserve. THANK YOU!!

* Wildflowers before Mothers' Day with Jim Varnum
May 10, 2008. By May, spring wildflowers are at their peak before becoming intermixed with summer ones. Texas Master Naturalist, Jim Varnum, led a large group through the Meadow Preserve to point out and discuss the remaining spring wildflowers and some of the early summer flowers. Although a particularly warm day in early May, guests enjoyed a variety of blooms and interesting facts about each. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* Land Conservation Highlighted in USA Today
May 9, 2008. Read the full article on USA Today's website

* Birdwatching with Gailon Brehm
May 3, 2008. Gailon Brehm, President of Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society and Connemara Conservancy Board Member, led a small group to watch birds in the Meadow Preserve and Gardens of Connemara. A highlight was the sighting of a Dickcissel in the lower meadow. Previously common, Dickcissels have not been sighted in the Meadow for some years. Go to the meadow page to see pictures and a bird list from the walk.

* Evening Wildflowers with Rich Jaynes
May 1, 2008. On May Day, environmental scientist and botanist, Rich Jaynes conducted an evening walk to enjoy spectacular displays of wildflowers in the Meadow Preserve. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* Connemara Photo Contest
April 22, 2008. Connemara Conservancy is sponsoring a photo contest and we want your best photos of the Connemara Meadow Preserve, and other representations of ecosystems found in North Texas, including the Blackland Prairie, the Post-Oak Savannah, the Cross Timbers or the Rolling Plains. The best photos will be selected to appear in our first calendar. Others will be featured on our Web site and in upcoming newsletters. The entry deadline is August 15, 2008. Click here for contest rules and entry form (pdf).

* Wildflower Walk on Earth Day
Apr. 22, 2008. On Earth Day, environmental scientist and botanist, Rich Jaynes conducted an evening walk to enjoy spectacular displays of wildflowers in the Meadow Preserve. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

*Thank You to Work Day Volunteers and REI
Apr. 19, 2008. In honor of Earth Day, over 50 volunteers from the community, Texas Master Naturalists and Friends of the Meadow, joined Connemara and REI in the Meadow Preserve to do spring cleaning. Participants broke into seven work teams to clear away trash, uproot honey locust saplings, knock down stands of dead ragweed, and remove invasive wild cabbage and thistle. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy for this work. Go to the meadow restoration page to see pictures or come to one of our upcoming guided walks and see the improvements in person.

* Wildflower Walk in the Meadow Preserve
Apr. 12, 2008. In Texas, spring wildflowers bloom in early March and by mid-April they are spectacular.  Master Naturalist Jim Varnum led a large group through the Meadow Preserve to point out and discuss Texas spring wildflowers. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* Bird Watching in the Meadow Preserve
April 6, 2008. All levels of experience learned to look for and understand more about birds found in the Meadow Preserve. Birds seen included residents, woodland birds and migrants. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* Thank you to Norton Elementary's Ecoliteracy Education Club
April 2, 2008. Norton Elementary's Ecoliteracy Eduation Club planted about 300 native tallgrass propagules in the meadow presrve under the guidance of Rich Jaynes, restoration advisor. This work is part of ongoing efforts to restore additional native prairie grasses to the meadow preserve. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

March

* Habitat Walk in the Meadow Preserve
March 29, 2008. Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, returned to discuss the habitat areas, native prarie grasses, and management plans for the the meadow preserve. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walk.

* Bird Watching with Audubon in the Meadow Preserve
March 22, 2008. The Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society (PTAS), the local chapter of the Audubon Society headquartered in McKinney, joined Connemara to host a bird walk in the Meadow Preserve. Novice birders had the opportunity to learn from veteran birders. Birds sighted included residents, wintering sparrows, woodland birds and early migrants.

* Volunteers and friends rescue big bluestem native grasses
March 8, 2008. Volunteers with the Connemara Meadow Preserve and Texas Master Naturalists transplanted big bluestem sod from a nearby pasture (scheduled to be cleared for a tollway project) into the meadow preserve. This work is part of ongoing efforts to restore additional native prairie grasses to the meadow preserve . Read more about their work (pdf).

* Spring dates added for guided walks in the Meadow Preserve
February 22, 2008. While the Meadow Preserve is still closed, Connemara Conservancy hosted guided walks for the general public. Several dates were added including two weekday evenings. Go to the meadow page to see pictures from the walks.

January

* Going Green at Sun to Moon Gallery
January 19, 2008. From January 19 to February 3, 2008, Sun to Moon Gallery in Carrollton is featuring stunning images of the natural world; from the Great Trinity Forest in our own back yard, to distant places like Yosemite National Park, Walden Pond, the Maine Woods and Cape Cod. Sun to Moon is donating a portion of proceeds to Connemara Conservancy foundation. You can support Connemara by going to Sun to Moon during their exhibit January 19, 2008 - February 3rd, 2008. www.suntomoon.com.

* Connemara featured in Denton Record Chronicle
January 16, 2008. The Denton Record Chronicle published two articles about the pace of development in Denton County and the activities underway to protect Texas' heritage, including those by Connemara Conservancy.  Read more on the Chronicle's website: Larger homes on the prairie and Conserving Texas: Our new heritage.

* Connemara Recognizes Kirk Evans as Volunteer of the Quarter
January 7, 2008. Join us in thanking Kirk Evans, science teacher at Norton Elementary and also a long-time member of the Connemara Meadow Preserve Steering Committee, as our volunteer of the quarter.