Boone County Conservation District, Kentucky

10/30/2026

Happy !

We are celebrating these important species by sharing an updated map of our acoustic bat data. The colored dots show where different species of bat echolocation calls were recorded by citizen scientists. Our volunteers recorded lots of Big Brown, Silver-haired, and Eastern Red Bats, and potentially even some threatened and endangered species like the Little Brown Bat… but more data is needed!

Data collection will resume in the Spring. Stay tuned to our calendar of events to find out when you can get trained to collect bat calls from your own backyard!
In the meantime, here are some ways you can support bat populations:

🪲Plant native grasses, shrubs, and flowers – this will provide plenty of insects for bats to eat

🪾Plant native trees and consider letting dead trees stand – bats roost in trees in the summer, and many of them prefer dead trees!

💧Keep waterways clean by reducing pollution

10/28/2026

Thanks to Junior Board members Noah, Samuel, Levi, and Blake for helping clear out some invasive honeysuckle last night!

This time of year, the bright green leaves of honeysuckle stand out in the fall landscape, making the battle against invasive species seem overwhelming, but these high schoolers proved that a little hard work goes a long way. 💪

We look forward to seeing what this section of forest will look like in the years to come now that native plants have room to grow!

10/28/2026

This is a great opportunity to hear the latest information about invasive plant management from our friends at the Univeristy of Kentucky! Afternoon field trip options include the Boone County Arboretum and the Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation.

Looking for practical ways to manage invasive plants?

The 6th Annual Kentucky Invasive Plant Conference is coming to Burlington on Thursday, November 5! The program covers invasive grasses, herbicide modes of action, wetland and streamside management, and lessons from aerial kudzu control.

The afternoon offers a choice of local field opportunities, including Boone County Arboretum with Director Kris Stone. Outdoor activities are weather permitting.

November 5 | 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Eastern
Boone County Enrichment Center
$65 includes lunch and KYIPC membership. Discounted $30 registration is available for students and those who joined or renewed KYIPC membership since July 2026.

Approved for 4 Kentucky Pesticide Applicator CEUs in Categories 2, 3, 5 and 6

See the program and register:
https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/Invasive-Plant-Conference

10/23/2026

You can enjoy the Fall colors at the Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation on November 7th for Community Day! The trails will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

10/23/2026

The American redstart is a striking bird species to observe during this season, characterized by its vibrant yellow to orange plumage. We had the opportunity to closely examine this specimen within its preferred woodland habitat. 🌳

We are grateful to collaborate with the Gunpowder Creek Banding Station while they conduct field research at the Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation.

*All individuals involved in banding have been properly trained and banding is conducting under federal and state permits.

10/20/2026

Last night, after a summer of community engagement, research, and design, the Blueprint Kentucky Summer 2026 fellows presented, "Reconnecting Boone: A Path to River, Places & People" to the community members of Petersburg and surrounding river towns. This project involved the fellows researching and planning ways to enhance the riverfront community utilizing the residents feedback and ideas. We cannot thank the team from Blueprint Kentucky enough, as well as the Petersburg, and our other neighboring riverfront communities!

10/15/2026

All are welcome to join the Boone County Ohio River Initiative and the University of Kentucky's Blueprint students to discuss their summer project. Come join in our conversation about Ohio River recreation and conservation at the Petersburg Community Center at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 19th!

The Boone Conservancy

10/12/2026

10/09/2026

Congratulations to this past summer's Conservation Intern Fiona on her new gig! Keep doing great things!

MCA would like to welcome and introduce our new Restoration Program Assistant, Fiona Southers! 🎉 We're so excited to have them join the team and can't wait to see the amazing work they'll do. Be sure to say hello and give Fiona a warm welcome!