January 26, 2005       Beverly and Ken Eriksen Conservation Easement approved

Bull Valley, Illinois

Ten and a half acres of land in the heart of Bull Valley will never be developed thanks to the generous donation of a conservation easement by Beverly and Ken Eriksen to the Land Conservancy of McHenry County.

Ken & Beverly can leave this planet knowing that they left a legacy -- they were on this Earth, and they did their part to be good stewards and to preserve the beauty and resources they had the pleasure to enjoy during their lifetimes.

Through the conservation easement, the Eriksens will ensure that the property – which was farmed for over 100 years – will forever be maintained as open space. They will continue to own the land, and can sell it, or pass it on to their heirs, but it can never be subdivided or have any structures built upon it.

The Eriksens’ commitment to conservation is well known. Each year, they host local high school students who come to their property to study Boone Creek. They also support many local and national environmental organizations like The Land Conservancy.

The Eriksens have great affection for Bull Valley, and over their years in the community they have both worked hard to help incorporate the area and to establish the first zoning ordinance.

Donating the land is one more expression of their affection for the area. The Eriksens’ historic home, as well as seven historic farm buildings, are on property adjacent to the conservation easement land.