A common theme over the year of 2020 has been exploring local parks and trails, one of the few activities available during the pandemic lockdowns. Warren County Conservation Interim Director Karen Johlas-Szalkowski tells KNIA News the thing that stands out to her the most from the year of 2020 will be the positives of connecting with nature, rather than the negatives of COVID-19.

“I’m excited people have found a new love or refreshed their excitement about benign outside. Even if that’s just with their family, but spending time outdoors and maybe visiting some parks they haven’t been to or have been busy with other things to get to it. That’s the exciting part for me over the last year, the appreciation for the trails and parks that people seem to have had.”

Johlas-Szalkowski also said Warren County Conservation is excited to once again serve residents, with a remodeled Annett Nature Center and new programs coming this spring.