Kirchman Foundation at Lake X

The Kenneth Kirchman Foundation, Inc. is a charitable organization that owns a 10,426-acre ranch in St. Cloud, Florida, known as “Lake X,” for the purpose of educating the public (particularly children) about Florida’s ecology and wildlife. As the surrounding areas become increasingly populated and infringe on undeveloped areas in Florida, the public is losing familiarity with nature. The Foundation seeks to address the problem of the public’s ever-increasing disengagement with nature by providing first-hand educational experiences to enhance public awareness, especially among children.

Lake X Property
The Lake X Property is one of the most unique tracts of land in all of Florida and includes a 1,400 acre lake surrounded by pristine forests and unspoiled wetlands. The property was originally purchased in the mid 1950s by E.C. Kiekhaefer, founder of Mercury Marine Outboards.

Mr. Kiekhaefer wanted an added sense of security and anonymity to the property and as a result, named the property “Lake X.” Ken Kirchman purchased the Lake X Property from Mr. Kiekhaefer in 1984. Having grown up in Florida on Lake Okeechobee, Mr. Kirchman knew the value and importance of preserving the natural beauty of Lake X and set a goal atypical of most landowners: to keep Lake X the same as it was 100 years ago.