The creation of Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation was prompted in large part by a desire on the part of Foundation President and Founder Geoff Maclay and other area residents to preserve the pristine shoreline of Gilbert's Lake. Maclay and others recognized the importance of protecting this vital waterway.

Acquisition of the Gilbert's Lake property was the Foundation's first project. Thanks to the group's efforts, the lake continues to be home to a wide variety of rare flora and fauna, including the blue heron and the Blanding's turtle.

In recent years, CLCF has helped fund a study of the Blanding's turtle by reptile and amphibian expert Gary Casper. Other partners in the study were the Cedar Lakes Property Owners Association, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County and Gathering Waters Conservancy in Madison. Casper has tracked breeding pairs and introduced baby turtles bred in captivity into the wild.

By Mary Jo Joyce

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