Belvidere HS KARE Club

08/28/2026

Mark your calendars for one of our favorite events of the year!

Join the Boone County Conservation District for our annual Fall Celebration (formally known as Pioneers in Conservation) on Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at LIB Conservation Area.

Bring the whole family for a day of tasty treats, hands-on nature activities, and outdoor fun for all ages. More details and registration information will be coming soon! We can't wait to see you there!

07/28/2026

07/28/2026

Stop by the Boone County Conservation District's Nature Center Open House this Wednesday, July 29, to hear about our new Nature Center expansion project and leave feedback!

The Boone County Conservation District is working towards expanding our Nature Center to better serve the recreational and educational needs of Boone County residents and visitors through additional program and gathering space, updated interpretive exhibits, improved restroom facilities, accessibility improvements, and visitor amenities!

To help fund this project, the Boone County Conservation District is applying to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Program.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend and provide comments regarding the proposed project!

Public Open House Details:
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: 603 N Appleton Road, Belvidere, IL 61008

For additional information, please contact the Boone County Conservation District at 815-547-7935.

07/01/2026

It’s Wildflower Wednesday! This week’s featured bloom is Purple Coneflower, one of Illinois’ most recognizable summer wildflowers. Its pink to red-purple petals droop downward from a spiky central cone, creating a unique look that stands out in prairies and open woodlands.

Purple coneflower grows two to three feet tall and blooms throughout July and August. Its rough, hairy stems and lance-shaped leaves help it thrive in a variety of prairie habitats across Illinois. Keep an eye out for these beautiful blooms on your next trail walk. They’re a true sign that summer is in full swing.

06/30/2026

Have you explored Piscasaw Fen Conservation Area yet? This 177-acre preserve in northeastern Boone County is home to one of our region's most unique habitats: a fen wetland. Fed by groundwater and rich in minerals, fens create the perfect conditions for rare plants and wildlife that can't thrive just anywhere.

Beyond the fen, you'll find colorful grasslands filled with blooming wildflowers from spring through fall, along with savannas and woodlands dominated by oak and hickory trees. Together, these habitats provide important homes for pollinators, birds, and countless other species. Every visit offers something new to discover, with new blooms appearing almost weekly. Add this to your summer bucket list!

06/26/2026

Want to help pollinators? Start with native plants. Native plants and native pollinators have evolved together over thousands of years. Their bloom times, flower shapes, and life cycles work hand in hand, providing the food and habitat pollinators need to survive. While many nonnative plants look beautiful in a garden, they often provide little nectar, pollen, or habitat for local pollinators. Native plants do much more than add color to your garden. They help support pollinators throughout their entire life cycle.

The good news is that you don't need a huge prairie to make a difference. Adding even a small patch of native plants to a garden, flower bed, or container can provide valuable resources for pollinators right here in Boone County.

06/25/2026

Our amazing volunteers meet every Tuesday to help care for and improve our conservation areas! Can't make it on Tuesdays? No problem! Keep an eye on our page for upcoming Volunteer Saturday opportunities. No experience, special skills, or tools are needed. We'll provide the equipment and guidance. Just dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and be ready to make a difference in Boone County's natural spaces.

05/02/2026

Yay KARE Club!!

04/21/2026

Celebrate Earth Day with us and be part of something bigger 🌎This year’s theme is “Our Planet, Our Power,” and it’s the perfect reminder that small actions can make a big impact. Join us on April 25th from 9:00–12:00 for Volunteer Saturday as we work together to keep our local habitats and community healthy.

Ready to make a difference? Email [email protected] or call 815-547-7935 to register.