Weaving History in the Blackland Prairie
About the event
Join us for a community embroidery and stitching event as part of "Weaving History in the Blackland Prairie" Together, we'll stitch while learning about the history of the Blackland Prairie, the land where we practice regenerative agriculture, steward ongoing conservation efforts, and the importance of native plants sustaining healthy ecosystems. Through conservation and handwork, we'll reflect on how stories, landscapes, and traditional textile practices can be woven together to preserve both cultural and ecological heritage. "Weaving History in the Blackland Prairie" is rooted in a layered living history that connects land, labor, and legacy across generations. The land where the Refugee Collective Farm operates in eastern Travis County is part of the historic Freedom Colony of Littig, one of the oldest in Texas. Jackson Morrow, a formerly enslaved man, originally owned the land following Emancipation, cultivating 2,000 acres that were passed down through generations of his family. Today the Littig Preservation Alliance, founded by siblings Alaona Gonzales, Gena Gonzales, and Christopher Scott, works to restore the once-thriving community. Conservationist Jon Beall purchased 300 acres in 1977 and currently preserves it in perpetuity through a conservation easement. His conservation work through the Wilbarger Creek Conservation Alliance preserves the rural, historical and ecological significance of this blackland prairie area in partnership with Littig members and neighboring farms and ranches. This project is supported in part by an Austin Live Music Fund Grant of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment.
