Boone County is home to a variety of natural habitats, including wetlands, rivers, forests, and more. We work regularly with local landowners, both public and private, to protect these habitats for the benefit of humans and wildlife.
Removing invasive species, protecting riparian buffers, and planting native plants are among the most effective ways to protect natural habitats.
To learn what you can do to protect your land, give our office a call.
Wildlife
What kind of animals do you see in your neighborhood? Have you ever seen a flying squirrel, spotted salamander, screech owl, or hognose snake? You can find all of these and more right here in Boone County.
For a list of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and insects found in the whole state of Kentucky visit the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Check out the Student Research page to see what research BCCDKY has been involved with!
Threats to Biodiversity
Invasive Species
Climate Change
Yes, our climate is changing - in many ways! Global average temperatures are increasing at an alarming rate, and the consequences can be seen in every region. Extreme weather events, altered habitats, changes to water supply, and shifting crop cycles are all direct effects of climate change impacting our natural and economic communities. But there is something we can do about it! For positive actions you can take, click here.
Habitat Degradation
While urban sprawl is usually a sign of economic growth, it wreaks havoc on our natural plant and animal communities. Subdivisions, roads, and parking lots destroy habitat, create erosion problems, and add excess pollution into our waterways. However, through the use of best management practices, we can plan development projects that will benefit both our growing population and natural resources. Call our office to learn how BCCDKY is working with developers and city planners to protect biodiveristy.
Endangered Species
Did you know that Boone County is home to SEVENTEEN endangered and threatened species?! That's just one of the reasons why it's important to protect our natural resources.If you ever see one of the species listed below, call our office immediately! Learn more about them at the US Fish and Wildlife website.
Mammals
- Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)
- Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)
- *Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)
Mussels and Clams
- Clubshell (Pleurobema clava)
- Fanshell (Cyprogenia stegaria)
- Northern Riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana)
- Orangefoot Pimpleback (Plethobasus cooperianus)
- Pink Mucket (Lampsilis abrupta)
- Purple Cat's Paw (Epioblasma obliquata obliquata)
- *Rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindica cylindrica)
- Rayed Bean (Vilosa fabalis)
- Ring Pink (obovaria retusa)
- Rough Pigtoe (Pleurobema plenum)
- Sheepnose Mussel (Plethobasus cyphyus)
- Snuffbox Mussel (Epioblasma triquetra)
- Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta)
Flowering Plants
- Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum)
*Threatened