Cedar Community Extends Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

By Sarah Malchow, chief administrative officer, Cedar Community

Cedar Community, located in West Bend, Wis., recently finalized the gift of easement rights for nearly 100 acres of woods, trails, lakefront, and prairie land to the Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation. A formal dedication ceremony was held in October 2023.

“We are honored to donate the development rights of 100 acres of this pristine land on the Cedar Lake Campus to our community partners — the Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation,” said Nicole Pretre, Cedar Community president and CEO. “This unencumbered gift will ensure that the primary environmental corridor on the Cedar Lake Campus will remain protected in its natural state for generations to come.” 

The vision for the conservation foundation is to sustain the abundant natural beauty, clean water, and biodiversity of the Cedar Lakes region for generations to come. Mike Nast, Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation board president, offered his thanks. “With this bold act, Cedar Community has demonstrated exceptional foresight and a deep commitment to the preservation of our natural environment,” he said. “Our sincere gratitude.”

The move shows the commitment of Cedar Community to preserving the natural environment. “We are eager to continue Cedar Community’s stewardship journey of care for this natural treasure,” said Joe Carlson, Cedar Community board president. “We have been committed to preserving these lands since our founding. This formal agreement is the natural next step.”