A Special Place
Educating our future through life-changing experiences in the outdoors.
A Special Place
Educating our future through life-changing experiences in the outdoors.
In Memory
“Lake X is a very special place. The natural beauty and serenity cannot be duplicated. Only nature can produce such settings. The sunrise & sunsets are spectacular. The quiet peace and tranquility of the nature walk is really something to behold & yet if you stop, sit, and listen, you will hear some of the most beautiful sounds you have ever heard.”
Kenneth P. Kirchman
1935 - 2007
Our History
Lake X Ranch 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-1950's 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.
Our Mission
The Kenneth Kirchman Foundation 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.