The Boone County Conservation District (BCCDKY) is hosting an Open House at the Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation on Saturday, May 16th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Center, located at 2588 Camp Ernst Lane in Burlington, Kentucky, is owned and maintained by BCCDKY for the purpose of natural resource conservation, education, and scientific research. The 92-acre property is home to a variety of natural habitats including beautiful forest, native meadows, a vernal pond, and nearly one mile of shoreline along Gunpowder Creek. Many species of plants and wildlife can be found along the trails, and visitors can expect to see large trees, colorful wildflowers, fish, frogs, and migratory birds at the Open House. At the event, three miles of hiking trails will be open to the public, where you can explore on your own, or join in a guided hike.
The Center is also an important archaeological site for Boone County as it was home to the historic Crisler-Gulley Grist Mill, which was built in 1817. Today, ruins of the mill and evidence of a canal which fed water from Gunpowder Creek to the structure can be seen from the parking area of the Center. At the May 16 Open House, local historian Bridget Striker will be on site to tell the story of the mill.
The Center is named in honor of the Earl and Hazel Jones Family, who donated their estate to BCCDKY in 2013 with the goal of conserving natural resources in Boone County. In 2023, BCCDKY was able to fulfill the wishes of the Jones Family and purchase the property which would become the Center for Conservation. Since then, the board and staff of BCCDKY have worked to manage invasive species, plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses, hold workshops for landowners, conduct biological surveys, and host a multitude of school and youth programs.
The Center, which is not open to the public on a daily basis, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. Stay tuned to the website (bccdky.org) for updates and weather cancellation notices. If you are not able to attend on this day, visit the BCCDKY website to register for other upcoming events and workshops.
For more information about the Boone County Conservation District, please call 859-544-528, visit bccdky.org, or email info@bccdky.org
