What a magical night at the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center! Wings over the Wetland is really one of my favorite events in all of DFW. The food is incredible, the music is fantastic, and the views are downright ethereal.

About the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center

Located about twenty-four miles southeast of downtown Dallas, the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center in partnership with Caroline Rose Hunt Family, The Rosewood Corporation, and the North Texas Municipal Water District cleans about 90 million gallons of water for Dallas every single day and is home to over 300 bird species, including bald eagles.

The center has been nationally recognized for its core mission of conservation literacy. It’s open to the public; in fact, you can visit the beautiful grounds for just $5! Kids get in free.

Wings over the Wetlands

The annual fundraiser is just about my definition of a perfect party: live jazz all night long, fabulous food, a sunset stroll through the wetlands, a cozy fire pit and hot cocoa. What’s not to love? The entirely outdoor event takes place from 5-9 pm and the dress code is cowboy chic.

The Food

This year’s event was catered by Beyond the Box Catering. We were greeted upon arrival by possibly the most delicious cheese and charcuterie spread I’ve ever seen at an event. I especially loved the fun dips and spreads and all the amazing vegetables!

There were also circulating appetizers, such as prosciutto and dried fig crostini, butternut squash crostini with goat cheese, and adorable mini grilled cheese sandwiches with fabulous roasted tomato basil soup.

The self-serve dinner buffet included salad with balsamic vinaigrette and walnuts, super moist cherry BBQ chicken (or a beautiful squash option for vegetarians), mashed potatoes, a vegetable medley, and rolls. Yum!

There was also a dessert buffet with an array of bite-size treats including tons of truffles on a stick, mini tartlets, and brownie trifles. There was also a hot chocolate bar complete with cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and shaved chocolate. So classy!

The Presentation

This year was extra special because the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center flew in famed artists Martin Hill and Philippa Jones for a presentation about their environment artwork. They created one of their famous natural pieces out of cattails at the Wetland Center, which we promptly rushed out to see after the presentation.

You may have heard of their Fine Line initiative, natural pieces of art they created across the world to form a natural “fine line” of light around the globe. Their work is incredibly moving. It was such a treat to see one of their art installations in person!

Final Thoughts

Wings over the Wetland was a gorgeous marriage of science, conservation, and art. If you love good food and jazz and what an unforgettable evening that will help support an organization making a huge difference in Texas, I highly recommend going to Wings over the Wetland! Learn more about the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center here.