The Boone Conservancy has acquired 350 acres of pristine Ohio River shoreline in Northern Kentucky to preserve this culturally significant greenspace for future generations.
The Petersburg, Kentucky, property – located next to the Interstate 275 bridge across from Lawrenceburg, Indiana – features 1.3 miles of riverfront, diverse wetlands and a mature forest canopy. It also 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.
The $2 million acquisition was funded through an 18-month campaign, supported by major contributions from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Program, Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust and Boone County Fiscal Court.
Additional support came from numerous private donors, including the RC Durr Foundation, Toyota Boshoku America, Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, Bosch Community Fund, Drees Homes Foundation, HG, HF & Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, David and Joan Geohegan, Tom and Maria Schuh, Bill and Julea Remke and anonymous donors.
“This project exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships,” said Christy Noll, executive director of The Boone Conservancy, a Northern Kentucky nonprofit dedicated to land conservation. “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.”
Two decades of preserving NKY’s green space
Founded in 1999, The Boone Conservancy has stewarded more than 1,200 acres of natural land in Northern Kentucky. The conservancy leases two of its properties to Boone County Fiscal Court to operate as county parks.
Greg Larison, chair of the conservancy’s board, said the project has been years in the making.
Over the next year, the organization will focus on comprehensive planning for the new property. That includes archaeological and environmental studies to fully understand and protect the site’s unique resources. The conservancy plans to work with collaborators to develop a long-term vision for the property, balancing conservation efforts with responsible public access and recreational opportunities.
“As intense development continues in Boone County, preserving greenspace is critical for the quality of life of current and future generations and we are excited to provide this opportunity to our community,” Larison said.
The new land is in an important corridor of protected land along the Ohio River, complementing existing conservation areas in Indiana and Ohio. The presence of endangered bat species and migratory waterfowl secured crucial support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act Fund and the Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund.
“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 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Kentucky field office.
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