Parks & Conservation Foundation

Our Mission

The mission of the Parks & Conservation Foundation is to support a sustainable park, conservation, and recreation system in the community. The Foundation achieves this by seeking contributions, including land, money, and other donations, for the Belvidere Park District, Boone County Conservation District, and other related open space and conservation organizations.

History of the Parks & Conservation Foundation

The Belvidere Township Park District Board of Commissioners established the Belvidere Park District Foundation in July 1992 as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to support the park district’s goals and enhance its facilities. Initially, each of the five park board members appointed three individuals to the foundation’s board, alongside a park board representative and the Executive Director.

The foundation’s first acquisition was the 20.67-acre Red Horse Bend property. Over the years, the foundation partnered with the park district and other organizations to acquire additional land, benefiting public recreational opportunities. In 2002, the foundation changed its name to the Parks & Conservation Foundation to better reflect its expanded focus on recreational, open space, and conservation efforts, including involving the Boone County Conservation District.

The foundation has successfully acquired and currently holds 10 properties totaling 150.51 acres, valued at $1,829,609. These properties are leased to the Belvidere Park District or the Boone County Conservation District for maintenance.

Parks & Conservation Foundation Board of Directors

Properties

Big Thunder Pavillion: This 0.28-acre site is managed by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners Program and serves as an interpretive space dedicated to educating visitors about the indigenous people of the region. The parcel features a bronze statue, which stands as a central focal point, honoring the cultural heritage and historical significance of the native communities that once inhabited the area.

Bob’s Park: Bob’s Park, named in honor of long-time Belvidere resident Bob Howells, is a beloved community space offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. This well-kept park features lush green spaces, a butterfly garden, a walking path, and a playground, making it a favorite destination for families and nature lovers. It’s the perfect spot for picnicking, exercising, or simply enjoying the outdoors in a serene environment. Additionally, Bob’s Park serves as a venue for community events and gatherings, further solidifying its place as a cherished local hub for relaxation and recreation in Belvidere.

Edwards Park and Conservation Area: This conservation area is a diverse and ecologically valuable landscape, centered around a meandering stream that has remained in its natural state, never having been channelized. This waterway provides critical habitat for aquatic species, supports natural hydrological processes, and helps maintain water quality by filtering sediment and nutrients.

Flanking the stream on both sides is a rare and ecologically significant sedge meadow remnant, home to a rich variety of high-quality native plant species. Sedge meadows are important wetland ecosystems that support diverse flora and fauna, including amphibians, reptiles, and numerous insect species. The presence of these native plants helps to stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and provide essential habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

Nelson – West Long Prairie Trail: This site is just over an acre in size, located at the west end of the Long Prairie Trail and was gifted to the Parks & Conservation Foundation by Bruce and Linda Nelson in December 2014. Though currently undeveloped, the site could serve as a small trailhead with parking and an informational kiosk. This strategically located parcel also holds value as a potential financial match for future grants to support conservation or recreational development in Boone County.

Prairie Lane Conservation Area: This 33.57-acre parcel is a high-quality natural area that serves as vital habitat for many native plant and animal species. Native wildflowers and grasses create a thriving environment for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as songbirds and small mammals.

A mowed path winds through the conservation area, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the site. This trail provides an opportunity for passive recreation such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography, while minimizing human impact on sensitive habitats.

Prairie Meadows: This 29.99-acre site is currently in conventional agriculture, providing a functional yet temporary use for the land. The long-term vision for this parcel is to transition it into a high-quality natural area. This approach will involve carefully planned efforts to restore native habitat, remove invasive species, and introduce sustainable land management practices. Over time, this restoration will provide critical habitat for wildlife and improve water quality. Additionally, the transformation will create opportunities for public enjoyment and education, allowing the community to experience the benefits of a thriving natural area.

Red Horse Bend: Red Horse Bend, located in Belvidere, is a scenic and tranquil area offering natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Situated along the Kishwaukee River, it features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and prairies, making it a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. The site is ideal for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, canoeing/kayaking and photography, providing a peaceful escape in the heart of Boone County. Red Horse Bend also plays a role in local conservation efforts, preserving the area’s natural landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

Sundstrand Park: Sundstrand Park offers a variety of amenities, including three spacious shelters equipped with private bathrooms, running water, electricity, and refrigeration. The park also features two well-maintained baseball fields complete with dugouts and several sand volleyball courts for recreational play. With ample parking available, Sundstrand Park is perfect for hosting multiple events or gatherings at the same time, accommodating large groups and visitors with ease.

Smeja: This site features a diverse and ecologically significant landscape, consisting of a thriving oak savanna situated adjacent to the Kishwaukee River. Oak savannas are a rare and valuable habitat type, characterized by scattered oak trees with a rich understory of grasses and wildflowers.

This site is part of a much larger conservation effort, as it is directly connected to Anderson Bend, Distillery, and Nelson’s Ford Conservation Areas. Together, these interconnected sites encompass more than 540 acres of protected land along the Kishwaukee River. This extensive conservation corridor provides critical habitat for wildlife, supports regional biodiversity, and helps maintain the ecological integrity of the river and surrounding landscapes.

Wagner: This 8.2-acre site is situated along the Kishwaukee River, just east of Garden Prairie. The property is ecologically significant due to its proximity to the river, making it a valuable asset for conservation. However, access to the site is very limited. Despite these limitations, the site’s location along the Kishwaukee River provides potential opportunities for habitat preservation, water quality improvement, and wildlife protection.

Be Involved

Become a Member

Become a member of the Parks & Conservation Foundation to help preserve the environment and enhance local open spaces. Membership benefits include connecting with others dedicated to conservation, contributing to community and environmental improvements, gaining access to recreational lands, participating in exclusive events, and supporting local agencies. Your contributions directly support responsible local projects.

Interested in joining, please contact the Foundation Board President,  Natalie Hyser Barber at natalie@tobinramon.com.

Donate

To donate to the Parks & Conservation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) passthrough organization, you can contribute in two primary ways: monetary donations or land donations.

Monetary Donations: You can make a financial donation through their website, by mail, or via direct transfer.  Donations can be made as one-time gifts or recurring contributions, depending on your preference. Contributions may also be eligible for tax deductions due to the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) status. Please fill out the form for a monetary contribution linked below and send to the Parks & Conservation Foundation.

Land Donations: If you wish to donate land, the Foundation can assist in assessing the suitability of your property for conservation purposes. The process typically involves an appraisal, review of property boundaries, and ensuring it aligns with the foundation’s goals. Land donations may also provide you with potential tax benefits.

For any donation questions, it’s recommended to contact the Foundation directly for specific instructions, forms, or consultation with their staff to ensure a smooth donation process.

 Monetary Contribution Form