The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council announces funding is available through the 2020 Natural & Cultural Grant program and informational sessions about the grant program will be held in January. Members of the public interested in the conservation of local landmarks and natural areas within Douglas County are encouraged to apply.

Informational sessions will be:

• Thursday, Jan. 16, 4 p.m., in Meeting Room C at Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont Street.
• Tuesday, Jan. 28, 5:30 p.m. at Baker Wetlands Discovery Center, 1365 N. 1250 Road.

These sessions will provide information about the program, application process, and past projects. Last year, the Heritage Conservation Council awarded a total of $135,000 in grants to 10 projects. These projects included restoration of tombstones at Baldwin City’s Pioneer Cemetery, a digitalization project at Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum, and preservation of Winter School near Lecompton.

“We encourage applications that focus on the conservation of cultural, natural, agricultural or environmental resources,” Douglas County Heritage Coordinator Jan Shupert-Arick said. “Applications also can be for educational programs or projects on these topics.”

All projects must take place in Douglas County and be completed within two years. Projects may include the restoration or preservation of historic structures, agricultural land, prairies, woodlands, waterways and habitats. They also may include themes associated with Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, a local nonprofit. Such themes include Civil War and pre-Civil War heritage, settlement stories before and after the Civil War, pre-settlement history and the enduring struggle for freedom up to current times.

Applications are due March 10. Interested applicants are required to meet with Shupert-Arick in February in advance of the application deadline. The Heritage Conservation Council evaluates the applications and recommends funding to the Douglas County Commission in May for approval. The grant guidelines and application are available below or on the Heritage Conservation Council webpage at: http://dgcoks.org/hccgrants.