[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDIAN ROCK NATURE PRESERVE, BRISTOL, CT

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                         HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an 
outstanding organization, Environmental Learning Centers of 
Connecticut. I join them in celebrating a special milestone, the 25th 
anniversary of their Indian Rock Preserve located in Bristol, 
Connecticut.
  The Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut has been a leader 
in Environmental Education and open space land preservation. They reach 
over 30,000 students a year from more than 180 schools in Connecticut. 
They currently own and manage over 525 acres of open space in 
Connecticut and are adding more land each year.
  The organization was founded in 1969 as a not-for-profit charitable 
organization for land preservation and environmental education with the 
original purchase of 40 acres of land on Shrub Road, Bristol. Shortly 
thereafter they completed construction of the Harry C. Barnes Memorial 
Nature Center on Shrub Road and began educational programs dealing with 
the environment. Today, the Barnes Nature Center provides the public 
with many exhibits and a library. This facility is open to the public 
without charge.
  In 1977, they received the 150 acre Indian Rock Nature Preserve and 
enlarged their educational programs with the opening of the farm life 
program for elementary schools and a summer day camp for youth. In 
1986, the organization constructed a 3,300 square foot building on the 
preserve to accommodate growing educational programs and the summer 
camp. Just recently, they completed construction of 1,200 square foot 
addition to accommodate their continued growth. The Center provides 
over 130 different educational subject topics for organized schools and 
groups throughout the year.
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Environmental Learning Centers of 
Connecticut is an organization of great dedication and commitment to 
their mission and to the citizens of Connecticut. Their success is well 
earned and I am honored to share their accomplishments with the House 
of Representatives and the nation. The accomplishments of this 
organization are many and it is my privilege to congratulate them on 
the 25th anniversary of the Indian Rock Nature Preserve. Environmental 
Learning Centers of Connecticut, congratulations, and all the best to 
you in your future endeavors.

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