Our Work

BOCS:

Promotes the appreciation for the natural and cultural features of the refuge
Supports wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and continued existence of the refuge
Develops environmental education programs and support for schools and youth groups
Develops public use facilities and activities in cooperation with refuge staff

In conjunction with the refuge staff, citizen science activities and scout/school projects can be arranged. Persons or organizations wishing to pursue wildlife or citizens science projects should contact the Refuge office or Big Oaks Conservation Society.

Listed below are our ongoing projects.

Oakdale School

BOCS preserves the Oakdale School House, located inside the fence on the south side of the refuge, near the old JPG buildings and the Jefferson County Highway Department facility.

Old Timbers Lodge

Old Timbers Lodge is located in the northeastern end of the Refuge. The lodge sits at the top of a 90-foot limestone bluff and is the largest structure within the refuge boundaries. It reflects the dream of Alexander Thomson, a Cincinnati industrialist and conservationist.

Roadside Pollinator Restoration

One way to bring back pollinators is through habitat restoration. These restorations have a variety of “cookbooks” for success. The goal of our project at Big Oaks is to identify how to maintain these restorations.

Visitor Center

The visitor's center will be funded by partnership and federal service. BOCS and BONWR are collaborating on the plans for the center's design and uses. It is our hope that it will provide ease of access to the Refuge, adequate parking, interpretive and educational space, conference area, and a gift shop/bookstore. Initial steps have been taken to complete this long term goal.

Wildlife