[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. WILTON CORKERN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Wilton 
Corkern, a good friend, environmental steward, and community leader 
who, at the end of last month, retired after serving for 21 years as 
President and CEO of the Accokeek Foundation. This weekend Wilt will be 
honored by his family, friends, and colleagues at the Foundation's 
annual Leadership Salute with its National Conservation Leadership 
Award.
  The Accokeek Foundation, headquartered in my district, is devoted to 
the interaction between people and the landscape over time. The 
Foundation stewards 200 acres of the National Park Service's Piscataway 
Park, along the Potomac River in Prince George's and Charles Counties. 
The park was established to preserve the viewshed from George 
Washington's historic Mount Vernon estate.
  The Foundation's programs include the National Colonial Farm, a 
living history museum that preserves heirloom plants, heritage breeds 
of livestock, and historic buildings of the Chesapeake Tidewater; the 
Ecosystem Farm, a demonstration of sustainable agriculture; and a 
number of training programs in organic farming, museum theatre, and 
related fields. The success and continued growth of these programs are 
a testament to Wilt's dedication and that of his talented staff and 
volunteers.
  Mr. Speaker, Wilt's accomplishments at the Accokeek Foundation are 
many and lasting. Through the years, Wilt:
  Established the modern organic Ecosystem Farm, with its innovative 
new farmer training program, and established what is now the Center for 
Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship as ``a national model for 
research, scholarship, education, and public information about 
sustainability in general and sustainable agriculture in particular.''
  Helped to organize and launch the Friends of the Potomac and to 
secure designation of the Potomac as one of the first ``American 
Heritage Rivers.''
  Relocated and reconstructed the Laurel Branch farmhouse, constructed 
the colonial outkitchen, and replaced the Saylor Grove fishing pier.
  Constructed a ``green'' Education Center and demonstration 
stewardship areas.
  Installed ``The View from Here: Preservation, Development, and 
Community in Accokeek, Maryland'' interpretive signage for the 
Foundation's fiftieth anniversary.
  Secured Standards of Excellence certification from the Maryland 
Association of Nonprofits.
  Reenergized the Foundation's land conservation initiative to focus on 
the Mount Vernon viewshed, preservation of working landscapes, and 
stewardship of easements.
  Launched the Foundation's Piscataway Cultural Landscape Initiative, 
an effort to transform the concept of ``indigenous cultural landscape'' 
into a concrete interpretive experience for the public.
  Wilt has made a real and enduring impact on our community--helping us 
improve our appreciation of the environment, recognize our role in 
preserving it, and understanding and experiencing our shared heritage 
as Americans. On a personal note, I have greatly appreciated his 
friendship and counsel over the years. I wish him the best in his 
retirement and ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
him on a job well done.

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