photo by: Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council

Volunteers plant native plants for a research project at Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park.

The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council is now accepting applications for the Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant program.

According to a press release from Douglas County, the council is looking for applications for grants to help implement community projects focused on cultural heritage, natural heritage or historic preservation in the county. The projects must be completed within two years.

“These grants create lasting benefits for our community,” Kaitlyn Ammerlaan, heritage conservation coordinator for Douglas County, said in the release. “Thanks to the (County) Commission’s support, we’re able to help fund projects that strengthen our sense of place and protect important resources for future generations.”

There are two different grant opportunities within the program. The first are seed grants, which are intended to support smaller-scale projects such as events, curriculum or material development, signage or planning efforts. Up to $5,000 can be awarded for each project, and a total of $40,000 is available to be awarded in this category.

The other type of grant is a target grant, and these grants support projects that will have a significant and lasting impact on the conservation of the county’s natural and cultural resources. Awards are available up to $60,000, and a total of $210,000 can be awarded across all projects.

“This funding is an opportunity for people across Douglas County to take action on projects they care about,” Ammerlaan said in the release. “We encourage anyone with an idea that supports our natural or cultural heritage to reach out and apply.”

An information session for the program will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Douglas County Public Works and Zoning and Codes Building, 3755 E. 25th St. People interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to attend.

People can also learn more about the application process and grant guidelines at dgcoks.gov/hcc. The applications are due on March 5 at 5 p.m., and applicants have to discuss their project with Ammerlaan by Feb. 20 before submitting an application.

The Heritage Conservation Council will review project proposals and make funding recommendations to Douglas County commissioners in April, the release said.