Connemara Conservancy Announces Summer Event Schedule

Land conservancy offers summer guided walks and photography workshops

DALLAS, Texas (May 15, 2008) — Connemara Conservancy invites the community to kick off the summer with a series of nature events in the Meadow Preserve, a 72-acre land preservation.

In addition to bird watching and guided nature tours, Connemara is also proud to present two nature photography workshops with professional photographer Janice Eddington, and a 'history of the land' walk with Connemara co-founder Amy Monier.

“We had an overwhelming response to the spring events at Connemara's Meadow Preserve," said Susan Armstrong, Executive Director of Connemara Conservancy. "So this summer we're offering an even wider array of topics for guests with differing interests. It's obvious North Texas residents care about the preservation of this land, and support the broader initiatives to protect our remaining acres of open space and natural habitats."

The full schedule includes:

Sunday, June 1, 8 a.m.: Birdwatching with Gailon Brehm

This event is for all levels of experience. Your guide will help you look and learn about birds found in the Meadow Preserve. Please bring binoculars and field guides.

Wednesday, June 4, 6 p.m.: History of the Land with Amy Monier

Join Amy Monier for an insightful walk through Connemara Meadow Preserve as she speaks about the history of Connemara Conservancy. The daughter of Frances Montgomery Williams and co-founder of Connemara Conservancy, Amy offers a personal perspective on the Meadow and her family's connection to this cherished land.

Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m.: Wildflowers and Prairies with Rich Jaynes

See how prairie restoration projects are progressing in the Meadow Preserve. Join environmental scientist and botanist Rich Jaynes as he speaks on how the land changes as we settle into summer.

Saturday, June 14, 7 a.m.: Nature Photography Workshop with Janice Eddington

Join professional photographer Janice Eddington as she speaks about the art of capturing images of nature during the early morning hours. Bring: a cup of coffee, a camera and a creative eye.

Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m.: Prairie Walk with Jim Varnum

Find out how prairie restoration projects are progressing in the Meadow Preserve while enjoying summer wildflowers like milkweed and blooming mimosa. Bring your botany books, binoculars, camera and water.

Saturday July 5, 8am: Birdwatching with Gailon Brehm

Look for and learn about birds that make the Meadow Preserve their summer home. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them.

Saturday July 12, 9am: Wildflowers and Prairies with Rich Jaynes

See how prairie restoration projects are progressing in the Meadow Preserve.  And with good spring rains, summer wildflowers like milkweed and sensitive mimosa will also be blooming.  Join Environmental Scientist and Botanist, Rich Jaynes, to talk about the changes occurring in summer.  

Thursday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.: Nature Photography Workshop with Janice Eddington

Photographer Janice Eddington is back to conduct a workshop on nature photography. Join her as she teaches about capturing images in the waning light of sunset. Bring a camera for this event.

For directions, details on what to bring to the events, parking and more information, visit www.connemaraconservancy.org/meadow.php.

About Connemara ConservancyConnemara Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting open space and the remaining natural beauty in north central Texas for both present and future generations. Founded in 1981, with an initial gift of 72 acres by Frances Williams on the border of Allen and Plano, Connemara Conservancy now preserves over 2,000 acres through a combination of conservation tools including conservation easements and conservation development partnerships. Connemara Conservancy is the only registered regional land trust preserving land solely in North Central Texas. Contact Connemara Conservancy via the web, www.connemaraconservancy.org, or by telephone, 214-341-0990.