[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 153 (Thursday, October 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE

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                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 13, 2011

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commend the 
Patuxent Research Refuge on the occasion of their 75th Anniversary. 
Sited on almost 13,000 acres of green space, Patuxent is the largest 
contiguous block of forest land in the Baltimore-Washington Corridor. 
Some have referred to it as the ``green lungs'' of the region.
  Established in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Patuxent is 
the Nation's only national wildlife refuge created to support wildlife 
research. Patuxent includes the National Wildlife Visitor's Center 
which is one of the largest science and environmental education centers 
operated by the Department of Interior. Many of my constituents 
appreciate and value the Visitor Center's interactive exhibits which 
focus on global environmental issues, migratory bird studies, habitats 
and endangered species. Many visitors also can enjoy the hiking trails, 
tram tours, seasonal fishing programs, wildlife management 
demonstration areas and the outdoor education sites for local schools.
  In addition to the Visitor's Center, Patuxent is home to the Wildlife 
Research Center which conducts research on a diverse range of wildlife 
and conservation issues. The exemplary research by the Patuxent 
Wildlife Research Center has helped develop important management 
techniques for conserving and protecting our Nation's wildlife and 
habitat. Research at the Center has led to efforts to restore the 
whooping crane population from near extinction to providing the 
scientific research that ultimately led the ban of the pesticide DDT in 
1972. Currently, the Center has over 100 scientific research projects 
ranging from the impact of rising sea levels to Chesapeake Bay black 
duck populations to nocturnal bird migrations through the Central 
Appalachians.
  Patuxent continues to be at the forefront of conserving our precious 
natural resources and maintaining an ecosystem that will continue to be 
robust and vibrant for generations to come. It provides a place for 
hikers, fisherman and hunters to enjoy green space in the Baltimore-
Washington Corridor. I am proud that the 3rd Congressional District is 
home to the Patuxent Research Refuge, and hope they can continue to 
serve as an archetype for future environmental research facilities. I 
hope my fellow Members will join me in congratulating them on their 
75th anniversary.

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