Oak Ridge, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge, a part of AgResearch within the UT Institute of Agriculture, is a living museum, an outdoor laboratory and classroom, and a nature sanctuary – one of Oak Ridge’s most beloved treasurers. To ensure the future of the Arboretum, the Institute of Agriculture has launched a multi-year, $3 million fundraising campaign. One million dollars of capital improvements have been identified, including an Auditorium renovation and annex.

The Institute of Agriculture and the UT Arboretum Society, one of the oldest volunteer support organizations affiliated with the University of Tennessee, will announce at a reception on November 2, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. that $950,000 has been raised in the campaign so far. This represents a major milestone in the overall campaign.

UT-Battelle, B&W Technical Services LLC, and Oak Ridge Associated Universities will be honored at the event for their contributions of $450,000 for the addition to the existing facility which 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.
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 reception is free and open to the public by reservation by calling 865-483-3571. The Forest Resources and Education Center is located at 301 S. Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge, three miles southeast of downtown Oak Ridge on Highway 62.
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.
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 250-acre Arboretum Project in Oak Ridge.