Allen and Plano have become synonymous with growth, development and progress. In addition to serving as headquarters for some of the country’s biggest corporations, they also boast thriving school systems, shopping centers and residential areas. But with all the concrete and steel sprouting up, some folks south of the area may not realize that thanks to Frances Montgomery Williams there are 72 acres that will remain a preserve.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
Back in 1981 Frances gave 72 acres of her family’s property to the Connemara Conservancy Foundation. She was “concerned that her family’s land was in jeopardy of succumbing to the almost unstoppable ‘urban sprawl.'” Thanks to her foresight, the property that became known as The Meadow “will forever remain in its natural state as an open window to the environment.”
While the maintenance is shouldered by dedicated volunteers, it still take $$ to support the Connemara Conservancy in its efforts to “help landowners, local governments and forward-thinking developers save important remaining landscapes.” Currently Connemara Conservancy is protecting more than 3,800 acres of open space throughout North Texas.
One of the ways to raise that funding is “Into the Meadow.” No, you won’t have to get out your rakes and gardening tools. It’s “an elegant evening of food, fun and friends under the stars in the Connemara Meadow Preserve. For the third year, Into the Meadow brings together locals chefs and locally farmed food to create an outdoor dining experience.”
This year’s dinner on Saturday, September 22, will be provided by George Brown of George Catering with decor and appetizers by Patina Green.
And, of course, there will an auction, live music (Clay Wilson Band) and dancing. Duh!
According to Connemara Executive Director Sandra Greenway, “We’re very excited about this year’s ‘Into The Meadow.’ From the cocktail reception in the Pecan Grove to the dramatic sunset to the fireflies floating throughout the Meadow during dinner under the stars, it truly is a magical evening. And it goes to support the important work of the Connemara Conservancy.”
If you purchase your ticket before Saturday, September 1, it will only cost $150 per. After that, if there are tickets left, they’ll go for $200 pp.
Sponsors include:
- Sycamore level — PSAV Presentation Services
- Pecan level — Julie and Ken Hersh
- Wildflower level — Tina Danze, Ron Hanson, The Levy family, Magenta & Green Design, Pat and Kevin McBride, The Monier family, Jim and Melinda Johnson, Patina Green Home and Market, Barbara and Randy Rosenblatt – Glazer Distributers and the Unterber family.
Photo provided by Connemara Conservancy