Arthur Watre's acquired Lacawac from his father. Arthur became greatly interested in the environment in the 1950s after reading books on the subject. He sought out environmental scientists to come look at Lacawac because of its pristine glacial lake and surrounding woodlands. Arthur wanted this property to be preserved for scientific research and study. In 1966 he and his mother donated the property for this purpose. The donation totaled 545 acres of land.

​The Arthur Watres' Trail is dedicated to Arthur and his dedication to nature, environmental education, and research.