We all like to celebrate special events, whether it’s a birthday, a special day, or an anniversary. 2008 is a special year for Franklin County Conservation as we get to celebrate 50 years of working with our natural environment and the critters that live there (that includes YOU).

On July17, 1958 the Franklin County Conservation held their first meeting, with Albert Keehn, Jamie Beringer, Everett Messerschmidt, Mrs. Dale Hackbarth, and A E Mallory being the first conservation board. The first area was purchased from Louis Toft on December 8, 1958. That ten acres was purchased for $100 per acre to be used as a picnic and fishing area. Since that first purchase of ten acres, the conservation board has acquired 1849 acres for conservation and recreational purposes.

County conservation is a lot more than picnic and fishing areas today. When you think of outdoor recreation, education, recycling, wildlife habitat, and family gatherings; you are talking about county conservation. The lakes, timbers, and prairies; the outdoor education programs and field trips; the Christmas tree recycling, free wood chips, and paper recycling; and the camping, lodge rentals and picnics; they are all part of what happens within the Franklin County Conservation Board activities.

As 2008 progresses, we will be holding several special events to celebrate the 50 years of progress and change that makes Franklin County a great place to live and grow.

Take time to visit a county conservation area this year, or attend a program or field trip with your child. You will find that 50 years have made for some wonderful opportunities to enjoy, learn about, and be a partner in keeping this a great place to call home.