Snappy the Snapping Turtle and his seven friends moved into their new aquarium and display at the Ledge View Nature Center near Chilton thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Richard Kampfer Friends of the Animals and Conservation Fund through our Chilton Area Community Foundation partner.  

As a popular attraction for young people on field trips, this new aquarium will allow for the expansion of more turtles. “We would like to add a Wood Turtle and an Ouachita Turtle in the future as they become available,” said Louise Marum, head naturalist at the nature center.  

The current collection includes two Eastern Box Turtles, an Ornate Box Turtle, Snapper, Painted Turtle, Spiny Softshell Turtle, Blanding’s Turtle, and Eastern Musk Turtle. While aquatic turtles enjoy a muddy pond or river, terrestrial turtles prefer open land with bugs, berries, and leaves to eat. Unfortunately, much of their ideal habitats have been converted to farmland. This has led to the Ornate Box Turtle being listed as endangered in Wisconsin and requires the nature center to have a special permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Through the conservation efforts of the nature center, these turtles are protected and receive needed care.  

When Richard Kampfer passed away in 2014 his trust established a fund with the Chilton Area Community Foundation to support worthwhile projects that benefit animals or conservation. Since the fund was established, more than $68,000 has been granted. 

The Ledge View Nature Center building is closed for remodel until Spring of 2025, but the park, trails, tower, fun trail, pavilion and outdoor restrooms are open from sun up to sun down.

The Chilton Area Community Foundation is one of five geographic affiliates we partner with in the Fox Valley. Our other partners include Brillion Area Family of Funds, Clintonville Area Foundation, Shawano Area Community Foundation and Waupaca Area Community Foundation. 

To learn more about the Chilton Area Community Foundation and how you can leave your legacy to support your favorite charitable causes, visit Chilton Area Community Foundation – Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.