[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30682]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN ARBORETUM

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                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2009

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th 
anniversary of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and to recognize 
the efforts of the community organization Friends of the Arboretum. 
Since June 17, 1934, Madison area citizens have worked with University 
of Wisconsin officials to develop and maintain an invaluable collection 
of restored ecosystems. Though thousands of committed people have 
contributed to the Arboretum in countless ways, one group in particular 
offers an ideal example of dedication to the Arboretum's mission. The 
nonprofit organization Friends of the Arboretum has helped preserve 
this valuable ecological resource both by fundraising for the Arboretum 
and through volunteer work. Those efforts, and the work of many others, 
have made possible invaluable scientific research and unique community 
opportunities.
  Of course, Madison's Arboretum may not have been possible without the 
initial commitment of 200 hardworking individuals from the Civilian 
Conservation Corps. During the Great Depression, the efforts of these 
young government workers produced a natural sanctuary free from 
encroaching development and biological contamination. Just a few years 
after its dedication, the Madison Arboretum became the site of several 
important ecological experiments on conservation and restoration. One 
historic study conducted on the Arboretum's Curtis Prairie helped 
establish the use of fire as an effective prairie restoration 
technique, a method now widely recognized. Those 60 acres of Curtis 
Prairie today comprise the oldest restored prairie land in the United 
States.
  As University of Wisconsin scientists continue to develop and enhance 
methods of ecological restoration, the Arboretum remains an important 
resource in the research process. The Arboretum now contains several 
preserved forests, prairies, and other lands, spread over hundreds of 
acres, which make possible influential ecological studies. Since the 
Civilian Conservation Corps first began reintroducing native flora to 
the various ecosystems of the Arboretum, it has grown to house over 300 
different species of plants. Though urbanization and the invasion of 
new plant types have provided new, modem challenges for this space, the 
commitment of university workers and community volunteers, such as 
those from Friends of the Arboretum, have kept the Arboretum strong. In 
addition to scientific research, Arboretum workers and volunteers 
facilitate a variety of community events, and offer unique educational 
opportunities in the field of ecology.
  Today, Madison's University of Wisconsin Arboretum contains the 
single most comprehensive assortment of restored ecosystems and a 
highly dedicated group of supporters. I therefore honor the 75th 
anniversary of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and commend both 
Friends of the Arboretum and all other Arboretum volunteers. The 
sustained commitment of numerous community members has maintained and 
enhanced a truly priceless natural resource.

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