Saving a special place for all to enjoy

Marilyn Neulieb and her husband Robert shared their passion for the outdoors and for photography and, over the years, they spent many hours enjoying the views and wildlife, especially loons, on their property along Red Lake.

When Marilyn's husband passed three years ago, she knew she wanted to protect the beauty of their pristine lakeside land on Red Lake, and not just in photographs. "I don't want the photographs to be all that's left. That thought is just heartbreaking. I want others to be able to experience the magic here that we did," Marilyn said.

Marilyn and Robert “took the leap” of what will now, unbeknownst to them at the time, become a new conservation area…and purchased the property in 1979. Marilyn noted, “It was a leap most young couples who like their creature comforts, would not take.” They bought 300 acres of wilderness without public utilities, water, or amenities and raised their family undisturbed and off-grid.

When Robert passed, Marilyn knew that she had to honor her husband’s legacy and love for the lakes. As the raw grief began to subside, she began to envision a bold way to honor his legacy. She reached out to see if it would be possible to collaborate with the Indian River Lakes Conservancy on preserving their land forever.

Thanks to Robert's legacy and Marilyn's commitment, together, we will be working to make this a new public neighborhood conservation area.

Creating a public preserve at Red Lake would mean eliminating the threat of development in favor of saving a “forever” spot where future lake lovers can canoe to, enjoy a shore lunch, or take a walk in the woods like Marilyn and Robert did for 40 years.

If you’re interested in helping to make this project a reality...

If you’re interested in helping to make this project a reality, please donate at indianriverlakes.org. You can contribute gifts of stock, contributions from your IRA, or give a gift through the mail or donate now.

"I don't want the photographs to be all that's left. That thought is just heartbreaking. I want others to be able to experience the magic here that we did."