Natural land along the Ohio River in Kentucky will be preserved for future generations to enjoy after it was acquired by a conservation group.
This week, The Boone Conservancy, a Northern Kentucky nonprofit that helps preserve natural land, announced it secured 350 acres along the river in Petersburg. The property is located adjacent to the I-275 bridge across the river from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and boasts 1.3 miles of diverse wetlands and mature forest canopy. The land also holds significant historical and cultural value, with Native American sites, the ruins of a Revolutionary War veteran’s home and burial grounds of people who were enslaved. The land is also home to endangered species and migratory waterfowl.
The Boone Conservancy raised $2 million to acquire the land through an 18-month campaign. Contributions came from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Program, Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, Boone County Fiscal Court and numerous private donors.
“This project exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships,” Christy Noll, executive director of The Boone Conservancy, said in a press release. “The overwhelming support from individuals, foundations and government agencies demonstrates a shared commitment to preserving this irreplaceable natural and historical treasure for Northern Kentucky residents and visitors.”
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In its first year of owning the land, The Boone Conservancy says it will focus on comprehensive planning, including archaeological and environmental studies, to fully understand the land’s resources. Following that, the nonprofit plans to work with collaborators to develop a long-term vision for the property that will blend conservation efforts with responsible public access and recreation.
“This acquisition has been many years in the making, and we are grateful to our many partners for making the permanent protection of this parcel a reality. As intense development continues to occur in Boone County, preservation of greenspace is critical for the quality of life of current and future generations, and we are excited to provide this opportunity to our community,” said Greg Larison, chairman of the Boone Conservancy Board of Directors.
You can learn more about The Boone Conservancy and their future plans for the Petersburg property at thebooneconservancy.org.
This article appears in Jan 22 – Feb 4, 2025.
