News Release
NOTE ORIGINAL Pre-event release was dated — October 28, 2009
Updated copy, below: posted November 5, 2009
Generosity of Oak Ridge Corporate Partners
Honored by UT Institute of Agriculture Arboretum
The University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge, a part of AgResearch within the UT Institute of Agriculture, is a 250-acre outdoor laboratory and classroom and a public nature sanctuary.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — At a reception on November 2, 2009, at the UT Arboretum on Illinois Avenue, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture administrators and UT Arboretum Society officers and members recognized area corporate sponsors for committing $450,000 to ensure the future of the UT Arboretum.
This marked a major milestone in the effort to fund the facility’s $3-million endowment, which to date has raised $950,000 to support the 250-acre natural treasure.
UT-Battelle, B&W Technical Services LLC, and Oak Ridge Associated Universities were honored at the event for their contributions of $450,000 for capital improvements to the auditorium at the Arboretum. The improvements will provide additional classroom space, technology and options for educational programming during inclement weather and after sundown. It will also provide an ideal space for youth and environmental programs in the Oak Ridge area.
“The UT Institute of Agriculture is grateful for the wonderful generosity of donors who have helped us come closer to the reality of having a new auditorium at the Arboretum," UT Vice President for Agriculture Joseph DiPietro said. "The new facility will allow us to have even greater contact with the Oak Ridge community by having a top-notch facility to conduct educational programs, community events and extension activities for youth and adults.”
Prior successes of the campaign have included a lead gift of $500,000 from the Rogers Group in Oak Ridge. Additionally, a new parking lot, improvements to and construction of new walking trails, new trail benches and signs, bridges, and new plant collections were made possible by a $114,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation through its Recreational Trail Program.
The need for $1 million in capital improvements has been identified, including an Auditorium renovation and annex. Campaign officials hope to conclude fundraising for the new auditorium by the end of the year. If you are interested in learning more about the Arboretum Endowment Fund and how you can help, please call Rhodes Logan or Tom Looney at 865-974-1928.
The University of Tennessee Arboretum is a 250-acre living museum, outdoor laboratory and classroom, and nature sanctuary. It is open to the public and can be accessed by walking trails located at 301 S. Illinois Avenue, three miles southeast of downtown Oak Ridge on Highway 62.
The UT Arboretum Society is a 44-year-old, non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the objectives and programs of the University of Tennessee Forest Resources Research and Education Center's Arboretum Project in Oak Ridge.
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The UT Arboretum and the Forest Resources and Education Center are outdoor demonstration laboratories operated by UT AgResearch, a division of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
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Contact:
Richard Evans, Director, UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center, 865-483-3571
Rhodes Logan or Tom Looney, UTIA Development Office, 865-974-1928
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For more information, visit http://forestry.tennessee.edu/arbpage.htm