Douglas County is accepting applications for three appointments to serve on a new advisory board that will help guide the future of Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, a 38-acre property at 163 E. 2000 Road near Baldwin City. The site features the historic Robert Hall Pearson farmhouse, nature trails, Captain’s Creek, restored prairie, picnic areas and a sugar maple grove. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

The advisory board will make recommendations to Douglas County and the City of Baldwin City on:

• Short- and long-term park development
• Maintenance and capital projects
• Programming and public use
• Strategic planning
• Signage and marketing

Applications are open to Douglas County residents. The county is seeking individuals with personal or professional experience in areas such as local history, park maintenance and supervision, historic preservation, ecology and natural heritage, marketing and communications, fundraising, event coordination and production, tourism and economic development, and archaeology.

Residents interested in serving may complete the application form at https://dgcoks.gov/apply/boards. The deadline for applying is Friday, Jan. 23.

The board will include seven members: three appointed by Douglas County, three appointed by Baldwin City, and one ex officio member, Steve Nowak, executive director of the Douglas County Historical Society. Baldwin City has already completed its appointment process.

Douglas County Heritage Conservation Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan will serve as staff liaison. She will coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and support the board’s work.

“The board’s primary deliverable will be a report with recommendations to Baldwin City and Douglas County on the preservation and maintenance of the property,” Ammerlaan said.

Douglas County and Baldwin City expect to finalize board appointments by spring 2026.

If you have questions, please fill out this contact form or call 785-330-2878.