Julie Ann Fineman
Description of Individual or Organization
Julie Ann Fineman is a board member and founder of the non-profit Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery. The FWFC is dedicated to honoring those buried in this historic Dallas pioneer cemetery, by restoring the site to a native Blackland Prairie landscape and wildlife habitat.
As a Texas Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, Julie recognizes the comprehensive benefits of sustainable, native landscapes. When presented with the opportunity to restore a neglected historic cemetery, she conceptualized the FWFC and developed an initial, labor-intensive, clearing program that would allow the native landscape to return and flourish.
Subsequently with her inspiration, guidance and tenacity, the FWFC has become a financially self-sustaining entity that has garnered public and private support and expanded its outreach.
Leadership (Nominee demonstrates leadership through example, knowledge, attitude)
The FWFC program was Julie's conceptualization. She has inspired, marshaled and organized the efforts of neighborhood volunteers, to physically transform the plot from a dark, overgrown, invasive-filled site, to a Certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Waystation.
In support of the effort, she has connected to like-minded experts in rewilding and developed a dynamic website chronicling the efforts and successes of the volunteers and other individuals and organizations that have contributed to the program.
In order to ensure the continuation of the FWFC's benefits, Julie led the effort to create a 501c3. The non-profit has subsequently garnered contributions, held fundraisers and been awarded grants to fund development efforts.
See the FWFC list of accomplishments in the "Other reasons..." section below.
Environmental Impact (Nominee demonstrates a positive impact on the local environment via policy change, product offering, significant volunteer contribution or other achievement)
In addition to minimizing invasive species and obtaining Certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Waystation designations, the site has become a valued feature of the Forest Hills neighborhood, hosting educational and social events. It also provides a peaceful, contemplative setting for casual interaction with a native environment.
The FWFC volunteer group has steadily expanded through monthly volunteer days, to include more local neighbors, as well as like-minded experts in conservation, soil science, botany and forestry.
As a part of the educational outreach component of the program, Julie produced a 7-part documentary on Warren Ferris, his descendants and the families of other pioneers who are buried at the site. The documentary segments are available on the FWFC website and were donated to the Dallas Public Library system for their permanent collection.
For a complete list of FWFC accomplishments, see the "Other reasons..." section below.
Community Impact (Nominee demonstrates commitment to DFW green community through involvement with causes, business ventures or organizations)
In addition to the positive impact on its immediate neighborhood, the FWFC program has partnered with like-minded individuals and programs throughout the region. In order to regionally expand the benefits of the FWFC program, Julie has recently conceptualized the Adopt-A-Cemetery Constellation program in partnership with the Native Plant Society of Texas. The intention of this program is to connect and coach other neglected cemeteries in sustainable landscape restoration.
For valued information and a broader base of support, the FWFC Board of Advisors consists of prominent Dallas citizens, including members known in law, business, conservation and politics. For a complete list see the FWFC website.
For a complete list of FWFC accomplishments, see the "Other reasons..." section below.
Other reasons for your nomination:
Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery Accomplishments 2019 - 2022:
• Obtained 501C3 non-profit status
• Formed an effective working organization with a formal Board and Board of Advisors
• Obtained a property survey to develop a landscape restoration plan
• Earned a Preservation Dallas Achievement Award and a Texas Historic Cemetery Medallion from the Texas Historical Commission in 2021
• Planted over 150 native plants
• Located and contacted numerous families whose ancestors are buried at the cemetery
• Sold 51 copies of Susanne Starling’s book on Warren Ferris, raising $2,500 for the non-profit
• Sold 11 Ferris Yellowstone maps raising $550 for the non-profit
• Completed a 7-part documentary, “The Ferris Cemetery, A Future As Well As a Past,” available on line to schools and Dallas libraries
• Significantly improved the cemetery condition by continual removal of invasive plants
• Amassed over 300 volunteer hours working in the cemetery
• Identified over 100 native plants
• Published over 35 newsletters which include stories about descendants
• Shared FWFC experience with other historic cemeteries to assist them in their restoration.
• Created a website to showcase archived newsletters, the documentary, over 25 stories in the descendant blog, a list of Board Members, Board of Advisors and Bi-Laws and review of progress and future goals.
• Participated in the East White Rock Lake Garden Tour two years in a row.
• Media support with articles in Lakewood Advocate magazine, Forest Hills Neighborhood Association Magazine, newsletters of the Dallas Pioneers Association, Preservation Dallas, the Dallas County Historical Commission, and Green Dallas.
• Partnered with groups to work toward shared goals: Dallas Pioneers Association, Texas Conservation Alliance, The Discovery Garden, North Texas Master Gardeners Association, Native Plant Society of Texas
• Developed the Adopt-A-Cemetery Constellation program in partnership with the Native Plant Society of Texas
• Installed a natural rock water feature to qualify as a Monarch Butterfly Waystation and certified Wildlife Habitat
• Provided boulder and traditional seating for meditation and general enjoyment
• Installed 3 cameras for wildlife observation
• Awarded 2 grants totaling $13,000 from the Summerlee Foundation and the Texas Urban Forestry Council
• Hosted on-site educational talks on plant identification, pollinators in the garden, native trees and original Dallas County surveyor Warren Ferris
• Won Best Video Award for Documentary segment #1 from the Native Plant Society of Texas
• Approved for annual volunteer credit hours for Texas Master Naturalists