The Boone Conservancy, a local land conservation nonprofit, announced Wednesday that it had successfully secured about 350 acres of riverfront land along the Ohio in Petersburg, just across the river from Indiana, for the purposes of conservation and recreation.
“The property, located adjacent to the I-275 bridge across from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, boasts 1.3 miles of riverfront, diverse wetlands and a mature forest canopy,” according to a press release from the nonprofit. “It holds significant historical and cultural value, encompassing Native American sites, the ruins of a Revolutionary War veteran’s home and the burial ground of individuals formerly enslaved on the land.”
“This project exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships,” said Christy Noll, executive director of The Boone Conservancy. “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.”
The land purchase, valued at about $2 million, followed an 18-month fundraising campaign that saw contributions from numerous organizations, government agencies and individual donors.
The conservancy plans to spend the first year with the property assessing it for its cultural and natural resources, which will include archeological and environmental studies. Subsequent planning will focus on recreation and conservation. The site serves as a natural habitat for endangered bats as well a variety of birds.
“This tract has been on the conservation radar for many years and will benefit the local community by providing vital greenspace and recreational opportunities while also protecting critical forest-dwelling bat habitat,” said Lee Andrews, field supervisor with the Kentucky office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Check out some photos of the property below. You can learn more the Boone Conservancy and its work at thebooneconservancy.org.
Second Creek, an Ohio River tributary on the conserved property. Photo provided | Boone Conservancy 
View of wetlands along the shore of the Ohio River on the conserved property. Photo provided | Boone Conservancy 
Ohio River shoreline on the protected acreage. Photo provided | Boone Conservancy 
View of preserved site from Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Photo provided | Boone Conservancy