photo by: Chris Conde/Journal-World

A historical marker on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at Black Jack Battlefield just east of Baldwin City.

An advisory board for the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park is seeking public input to guide planning and stewardship efforts for the site.

Last November, the Douglas County Commission and Baldwin City signed a joint ownership agreement in an effort to ensure the long-term preservation and management of the 38-acre property, as the Journal-World reported. In doing so, a seven-member advisory board was established to develop a vision and goals for the site.

Douglas County Heritage Conservation Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan serves as staff liaison to support the board’s work. She hopes community members will take the time in sharing their thoughts in a survey for the preservation of the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, according to a press release from Douglas County.

The property, 163 East 2000th Road near Baldwin City, is nationally recognized as being tied to the events of “Bleeding Kansas” and as a precursor to the Civil War. The site includes the historic Robert Hall Pearson farmhouse, nature trails, Captain’s Creek, restored prairie, picnic areas and sugar maple grove. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

The public can complete the survey at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/VQwAWq5xzi. The survey will be open through Aug. 30, and it can also be found on the county’s website.