The Foundation

The Parks & Conservation Foundation is currently raising funds to support the following projects:

Stewardship Challenge Grant

The Parks & Conservation Foundation was awarded a stewardship challenge grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation for stewardship work in the Kishwaukee River conservation corridor.  This project will restore and enhance three distinct habitat types at the Kishwaukee Valley Conservation Area.  Wetlands, upland prairie and oak savanna habitat types will be created or enhanced by the efforts of volunteers and contracted services.  The effort will focus volunteers to remove old wire fencing; remove invasive non-native and aggressive native species; and re-establish native plant communities in cropped areas and areas where invasive species are being removed. The foundation has engaged the local community including local groups and civic organizations, to become involved with this project by providing matching funds and/or becoming involved as volunteers to assist with the implementation of the stewardship work.

Bob’s Park Conversation and Meditation Grove

The foundation has approved a master plan to create a conversation area and a memorial to Bob Howells.  The memorial is designed to occupy an area approximately 21’ X 24’.  It would consist of flat modular pavers, large granite rock, eight seats, large flat stones to serve as walk ways into and out of the conversation area surrounded in plantings of low junipers, cotoneasters, bayberries and a series of perennials and grasses and clump trees, with a plaque on a rock talking about Bob.  The anticipated cost of the project is $16,000.00 – $18,000.00.

For more information and history on Bob’s Park, see the Bob’s Park page.

Land Acquisition

The Parks & Conservation Foundation assists the Boone County Conservation District and the Belvidere Park District with land acquisitions; facilitating ways to leverage donations of important land areas and holding property for either entity until the intended public agency is ready to develop and manage these often critically important properties. Currently, the Parks & Conservation Foundation is working to collaborate with both of these public agencies to facilitate an acquisition of strategic significance. Providing opportunity for improved public access to existing open space, expanding park services and enhancing property values in the community.