According to Frankford Preservation Foundation President Kathy Wells Power,
“In 2010, during a careful restoration of the Old Frankford Church in North Dallas, landscape architect Rosa Finsley discovered some native plants in a three-acre field between the historic church and adjacent cemetery. We stopped mowing that area, and in a short time, native plants like big blue stem, side oats gramma, and wild blue hyacinths sprang up from the soil. It soon became obvious that we had discovered a small remnant of Blackland Prairie. Less than 1% of the original Blackland Prairie (named for its rich, dark soil) remains in Texas.
“What had we discovered? In the middle of a highly developed part of Dallas, we had stumbled upon untouched prairie land! We realized we now had a unique opportunity to share this exceptionally rare site with North Texans.
“What does the Frankford Preservation Foundation protect? Our historic church, prairie, Indian Springs, and wagon yard where covered wagons camped, that all help to convey the story of early Dallas history. Today, the beautiful Frankford site serves as an oasis in North Dallas where visitors can enjoy communing in nature while learning a little about the history of this part of Texas.
“In 2014 we created a new charitable organization called Frankford Preservation Foundation. Our mission is to preserve the prairie, church building, and Indian Springs, and teach North Texas history through tours, lectures and other events. Master naturalists and other volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants to keep the prairie as pure as possible. This extraordinary volunteer help makes it possible for Frankford Preservation Foundation to maintain its site as a historic nature preserve.
“This year Frankford Preservation Foundation will complete its new Frankford Legacy House, with restrooms and other facilities to accommodate our guests, volunteers, and staff. The Legacy House will enable us to host events more comfortably.
“These preservation projects require funding. In 2016, Frankford Preservation Foundation participated in Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day for the first time. Since that time, the amount of money we receive each year on North Texas Giving Day has steadily increased. This money helps us maintain and oversee our little jewel in the middle of Dallas.
“Frankford volunteers work hard to maintain this special place, but we need help. The donations we receive through North Texas Giving Day help us pay for projects such as restoring our vintage windmill, planting trees in our tree line, spring and fall prairie tours, and educating visitors about North Texas history, in particular the Blackland Prairie.
“Frankford Preservation Foundation is honored to take part in North Texas Giving Day each September. We are grateful to be a part of the North Texas Giving Day community. The diversity and breadth of the organizations involved in this annual fundraising event is truly astounding. At Frankford, we believe cities need places that feed hearts and souls. That is what Frankford can give to the vibrant city of Dallas. Thank you, Communities Foundation of Texas, for sponsoring North Texas Giving Day and to all the wonderful organizations who participate.”
* Photo credit: Vonda Klimaszewski ** Graphic provided by: Kim Schlossberg Designs *** Photo credit: David Rogers **** Photo credit: Alan Gray
In 14 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $503 million into the North Texas community. In 2022, more than $62.6 million was raised through 94,385 donors benefiting over 3,210 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 21, support Frankford Preservation Foundation by clicking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay2023