Blue Heron Award

Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association Blue Heron Stewardship Award

During the summer of 2025, the Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association (VCLRA) presented the Blue Heron Stewardship Award to Stephanie & Fred Gruber on Irving Lake. The Blue Heron Award recognizes lake property owners who champion strong lake stewardship principles in the development and use of their waterfront property to minimize environmental impacts. VCLRA makes these annual awards to generate awareness and educate lake property owners on the importance of shoreland stewardship by showcasing excellence in lake-friendly waterfront development.

Recognized properties serve as an example to other lake property owners of the varied ways lakeshore properties can be developed to minimize shoreline disruption and the importance of shoreline biodiversity to the overall health of their lake. Selection is based on criteria covering five areas of a lake property that can impact a lake’s health. Scoring criteria assesses: driveway and parking areas, structures and septic areas, yard and recreation areas, shoreline area and an entire lot overview.  

Fred and Stephanie Gruber have an extraordinary property demonstrating exceptional stewardship on Irving Lake. They have a beautiful wetland, full of wild calla and sedges, stretching from their house to the lake.  The shoreline is natural and wild and a great place for viewing wildlife, including swans. VCLRA thanked the Gruber’s for their careful stewardship and noted they are an example to others of responsible lakefront property ownership. Those interested can learn more or nominate someone for the award by visiting the Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association website (VCLRA.org).