Split Rock Conservation Park

Conservation education is the single most important reason and motivation for establishing Split Rock Conservation Park. Educational programs will be developed for all ages. We feel that it is not only important to offer programs that emphasize the conservation of local biodiversity but also the role and responsibility of people in the process. Exploration is exciting, fun and allows hands on participation and a better understanding of the concepts. The following are a few programs that can be offered at Split Rock:

Forest Ecology
Grassland Ecology
Wetland Ecology
Stream and River Ecology
Geology
Wildlife Encounters
Local History
Local Archaeology

Educational Programs | Projects | Community Activities

Educational Programs

Educational programs at Split Rock are hands-on, active exploration and investigation. They instill a sense of wonder and respect and are just plain fun. Our core programs include the following:

Analyze this…Pond Life, Bug Life- investigates the rich diversity of life and the life cycles of aquatic organisms.
The Ecology of a Forest – focuses on the ecological processes and diversity of deciduous forest
Soil, Water and Geology- stresses soil and water conservation and glacial geology in Northern Kentucky
Wildflower Hikes
The Archaeology of Split Rock- investigates evidence of past cultures Split Rock and their niche in the local environment. This year, Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Summertime Kids grant allowed us to expand our archaeology program.
Out Reach Program –due to a grant from the Kentucky Colonels for a computer and LCD projector, Split Rock and its wonders can now go to the community in classrooms and various community centers.
Internships/independent study- We have begun an intern program and currently have an intern and an independent study project. We have met with facility with Northern Kentucky University to expand these internship programs.
Environmental Project For High School Students- This project is still under construction but has received funding from Duke Energy and Toyota. Since the restoration of Stone Creek and Woolper Creek in conjunction with the NKU Center for Applied Ecology, there is an opportunity to extend the current trails at Split Rock and to also create at least 1 mile of new trails. These trails would encompass the 4 acre wetland area as well as land along Woolper Creek. Students would be using GPS equipment and mapping software to help create these new trails. Student will also be creating these trails by marking the path and then removing debris and plant material. During trail development native plant communities will be mapped with GPS units and non-native plants will be removed. Students will also be given an opportunity to work with Boone County GIS and produce professional maps using the state of the art mapping software ARC. This information will be used to develop educational materials.

Projects

We have used a holistic approach to conservation planning and have implemented many of the practices outlined through a conservation plan through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Kentucky Division of Forestry and the Nature Conservancy.
To date we have:

Implemented an aggressive program to remove non-native invasive plant species.
Established approximately 40 acres of native grasses and forbs,
Planted approximately 5,000 native trees and shrubs of at least 10 different species
Completed restoration of a 4 acre wetland and two wildlife watering holes.

These projects were cost shared through USDA and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. The result is a biologically diverse and unique native habitat available to park visitors for nature study.

We have worked hand in hand with several local Eagle Scout candidates from Boone, Kenton and Jefferson County. Eagle Scout Projects completed or under development at Split Rock include:

A ¼ mile stone trail through meadow and woodland, which we hope to make more accessible to young children, elderly and handicap individuals.
Wildlife observation deck along the stone trail overlooking Woolper Creek
An overnight campsite with permanent fire ring, benches, fire wood holder and kiosk
Four bat houses situated around the pond study area with educational kiosk
Picnic shelter at the pond study area

The benefits of these programs are numerous. Wildlife habitat and biodiversity will be greatly improved, unique educational opportunities for students of all ages will be possible, and the local community will benefit from this natural treasure. These projects demonstrate a long-term commitment between the landowner, WCK, Inc. and the community to enhance natural resource conservation and make this outstanding property available to the community for educational and scientific study.

Community Activities

Community activities include an annual Open House in partnership with the Boone County Preservation Review Board and the Boone Conservancy. In 2005, this event included representatives from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, The Division of Forestry and a Geologist from NKU to provide conservation oriented information to the visiting public. This event also gives the general public the opportunity to experience the park and our progress.

Staff members and volunteers also participate in local cleanup events and public presentations. Staff also participated on the planning committee for Boone County’s Heritage Tourism Plan. This effort seeks to highlight Boone County’s natural and historic features as public points of interest and tourist destinations.

Evolving partnerships with The Boone County Historic Preservation Review Board, The Boone Conservancy, Dinsmore Homestead, The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Boone County Conservation District and others are an important part of our conservation mission and will continue to expand.