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Conservancy returns with new projects
In 1981, Amy Monier and her mother, the late Frances Williams, established the Connemara Conservancy by setting aside 72 acres of their family’s land on the border of Allen and Plano, known as the Meadow Preserve. On June 4, Amy offered a personal perspective on the Meadow, the conservancy, and her family’s connection to this cherished land. Submitted Photo
Meadow preserve will re-open in late summer after two-year closure
By Neel Trivedi, McKinney Courier-Gazette
The Connemara Conservan-cy is growing and so is the number of people maintaining it. The conservancy recently welcomed Michelle Schneider to their staff as the new Meadow Preserve program manager.
Executive Director Susan Armstrong attributed the expansion of the conservancy team to the growing interest in Connemara.
“We’ve just had an enormous amount of growth and need of services,” she said. “Michelle is … a true asset to Connemara and will help our organization achieve many new opportunities. We have several new projects underway.”
Among the projects and deals, Armstrong said the conservancy has several pledges that aren’t solidified in various Collin County areas. Also in the developments are an easement deal with Cooke County of 1,000 acres and a 450 acre deal with Denton County as listed on www.connemaraconservancy.org.
The Conservancy was founded by the late Francis Williams and her daughter Amy Monier in 1981, when Williams feared that the suburban sprawl would rid Texas of all open and green spaces. The initial 72 acres where the Meadow Preserve is situated was a gift by Williams.
Since then, the Conservancy has expanded to preserving more than 2,000 acres through a number of developments and partnerships with several counties including Dallas, Delta, Hood and Hunt.
A recent key development for the organization is participation in awareness programs. In the last 10 months, more than 500 adults and children volunteered to create awareness of the flora, fauna and other natural processes.
The Meadow Preserve also has served as a classroom from time to time for various school groups from Rasor Elementary, Norton Elementary and Ereckson Midde School.
While the Meadow Preserve is closed, more than 600 hours have been put toward maintenance by the staff and volunteers alike. Also, the workshops such as the upcoming Nature Photography Workshop with Janice Eddington at 6 p.m. on July 24, and other events will continue.
Armstrong said the Conservancy will re-open in the summer but a date has not been set yet.
“The biggest factor that determines when it will re-open is funding,” she said.
Armstrong said the conservancy will continue to increase its staff and is currently looking for a conservation manager.
“We’re hoping to grow. We get calls from land-owners every week,” she said. “We need to hire the new person to respond to those owners.”
She added the Conservancy is always looking for volunteers. “Before I was the sole employee and the demand was just too much,” she said. “Right now, it’s the two of us wearing a lot of caps. Even though we’re growing as a staff, we encourage everyone to get involved.”
To volunteer, call 214-341-0990.
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