[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 79 (Monday, May 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING CHIHUAHUAN DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 2010

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
congratulate the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, which I am 
excited to announce is in the 23rd district of Texas, on its recent 
nomination to participate in the Museum Assessment Program, MAP. The 
program has served over 5,800 museums since 1981 and is administered 
through the American Association of Museums in a cooperative agreement 
with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, IMIS. The program 
will help the museum, beyond its current success, identify through peer 
review, how to improve programming and operations to address current 
and future challenges.
  The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is located within the scenic 
Davis Mountain range near Fort Davis. Through research and education, 
including its proximity to Sul Ross State University, the non-profit 
institute promotes public appreciation and awareness for the natural 
diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert. Highlights include a 1400-sq.-ft. 
cactus and succulent greenhouse, a desert botanical garden, over 3 
miles of hiking trails, and interpretive exhibits.
  The institute offers opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn 
through the Life-Long Learning Program. This program features 
workshops, fieldtrips, and lectures on a variety of topics related to 
the natural history of the desert region. Other programs for school and 
youth groups help parents and teachers reinforce scientific concepts by 
offering exciting, interactive activities. Teachers can continue their 
professional education with interesting classes that emphasize outdoor 
learning and hands-on activities to use as demonstrations for their 
students.
  Exhibits include ``Our Dynamic Landscape; Geology, Culture, 
History,'' the ``Chihuahuan Desert Mining Heritage Exhibit,'' a 
``Geological Timeline,'' and constant changing interactive ``Atrium 
Exhibits.''
  Again I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the 
recognition of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute by the Museum 
Assessment Program for its outstanding efforts on educating the 
community about regional and ecological awareness. This continuous hard 
work has a positive impact on visitors and students alike who in turn 
will appreciate preservation of the earth's natural history, regional 
habitats, and more importantly, the importance of preservation for 
future generations.

                          ____________________