Update on Boone County Conservation District Sites and Programs

The Boone County Conservation District (BCCD) is striving to keep conservation areas open and available for public use.  On March 20^th, 2020 the Governor of Illinois announced Executive Order 2020–10.  This order informed all residents and businesses to shelter in place and detailed the intent of this important action.

The order indicates that “For Outdoor Activity” the public is permitted to engage in outdoor activities, including and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, or biking. Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas. However, playgrounds may increase spread of COVID-19 and therefore shall be closed. Please continue reading to learn the Boone County Conservation District’s expectations of the public while using our sites.

This order also deems that those with responsibilities to maintain these facilities are considered essential service providers.  However, the order places limits on how they can provide such services.  The BCCD will strive to provide services so long as the public follows all social distancing and gathering restrictions. Feel free to communicate with our staff, but please maintain a ten-foot separation from staff as an additional safety buffer. We will provide an update if it appears that public health concerns change or if the Governor’s Office orders additional restrictions.

Our plan includes measures that will help keep our patrons, staff and sites clean and safe for public use:

Public Use of Boone County Conservation District Sites

1. Sites Open to Public Use:
   1. Spencer Conservation Area
   2. Lib Conservation Area
   3. Distillery Road Conservation Area
   4. Ipsen Road and Newburg Village Conservation Areas
   5. Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area
   6. Long Prairie Trail
   7. Brown Conservation Park
   8. Tuttle Clarkson Natural Area
   9. Edwards Park & Conservation Area
   10. Piscasaw Fen Conservation Area 
   11. Funderburg Conservation Area
   12. All other BCCD Conservation Areas and sites are closed to public use. Horse Trail also remains closed.
   13. All BCCD buildings, shelters, restrooms and other structures are closed for public use.
2. Everyone needs to practice social distancing – follow all Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommendations.
3. Please bring your own hand sanitizer and use it before and after touching any surface, such as benches, tables, garbage containers, or other similar surfaces.
4. Be especially mindful if you are geocaching. Wear disposable gloves and sanitize all surfaces before and after touching. Wash your hands! Do not engage in this activity if you are experiencing any sign of illness.
5. Keep all pets leashed and under control and come prepared to clean up after your pet.
6. Remember that all BCCD buildings and structures are currently closed to public use – including outdoor restrooms and shelters.
7. If you drive to a BCCD conservation area, please observe the number of vehicles in the parking areas. If 50% or more parking spaces are full please consider delaying your visit or going to a different conservation area.

BCCD Programs and Activities

1. All BCCD Shelter Reservations and Special Use Events are cancelled through the end of May.
2. All BCCD programs and volunteer events are cancelled or postponed until the end of May.
3. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for posts with suggested activities and links to other pages and websites that we find useful for helping you enjoy outdoor activities and for engaging your children in learning about nature and getting their dose of Vitamin N (Nature).
4. The mental health benefits of getting outside are real – (click here)

Message from the Executive Director, Dan Kane             

The Boone County Conservation District is striving to provide the public with opportunities to enjoy outdoor experiences and activities.  Please do go out and enjoy some time in nature.  We encourage our entire community to be diligent in protecting the health and safety of their families and friends.  All the best from your friends at the Boone County Conservation District!