The Foundation, which to date has granted over $16 million in charitable giving and programming to more than 200 non-profits and the general public in its first 25 years, is now preparing to outline ambitious future plans.

As part of that process, the first-ever Uihlein Foundation website has been launched and is now live at uihleinfoundation.org.

“The Uihlein Foundation is honored to acknowledge and build on the Henry and Mildred Uihlein legacy,” said John D. Leekley, Chairman of the Board. “Through their vision and guidelines, the Foundation has been able to have an ongoing impact on the greater Lake Placid region. As it heads into the next 25 years, the intent is to build new partnerships with organizations that are in alignment with Foundation goals to increase the ability to provide for a better quality of place for all. The unique lands that the Foundation owns will allow for increased public enjoyment and growth of non-profits into the future.”

Past highlights include:

— Primary funding source for Mid’s Park, the Paul White Bandshell, and the new Lake Placid Thrift and Thrive.

— The vision for, creation, and maintenance of Henry’s Woods and Heaven Hill Trails as Community Preserves.

— Conversion of Heaven Hill Farm House into a non-profit event and meeting center.

— Grassland Bird habitat preservation and research.

— Conversion of the former Cornell Uihlein Potato Farm and Laboratory into a non-profit office center, water research facility, and a native plant nursery.

— Decision to preserve and prevent the development and sub-division of over 1,400 acres of land enabling use of the land for non-profit and public purposes.

— Decision to recreate Tablelands Farm as a working farm for regional benefit and educational purposes.

— Together with New York State Mesonet, created a Lake Placid weather station reporting local temperature, humidity and precipitation totals benefitting agricultural area businesses and recreational enthusiasts.

Now, however, the Foundation feels it is time to set the agenda for a new era, all in concert with the character of the Adirondacks.

“Uihlein Foundation lands comprise some of the largest tracts of open grassland habitat within the heavily forested High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Mountains,” continued Leekley. “This unique resource offers valuable and rare opportunities for wildlife habitat enhancement, ecological research, agriculture and education.

“Looking ahead, the Foundation is developing plans to optimize the use of its buildings and land. Our goal is to support the operations and programs of our local and regional non-profit partners, all while ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the physical and built environment.”

The Uihlein Foundation, created by Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein, seeks to continue to build partnerships that will aid us in the careful stewardship and preservation of the scenic natural resources entrusted to us through educational, and environmental programs, support for regional nonprofits, storytelling of the area’s rich cultural heritage, and enhanced visitor experiences to sustain the foundation for the next 25 years.