Arboretum marks visitor center opening

The Arboretum will officially open its expanded visitor center Saturday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. on the steps of the new entrance to the building.

Financed entirely by donations from individuals, families, foundations and businesses, the 16,000-square-foot addition features an exhibit hall, auditorium, orientation theater, bookstore, library, art gallery and offices. Donations funded the the Wisconsin Native Plants Garden that will surround the visitor center and an updated and expanded interpretive program.

“We knew the Arboretum was used, appreciated and loved by so many people in the Dane County area — and beyond,” says Arboretum director Greg Armstrong, “but I was still surprised by the depth and breadth of the contributions that came in to support these projects. It was gratifying to see so many people helping in the development of something that truly benefits our community, the people of Wisconsin and the natural world.”

Following the ribbon cutting, noted ecologist John Ewel will speak in the new auditorium. Ewel has a long association with the Arboretum and was instrumental in guiding the Arboretum toward establishment of a research program in restoration ecology.

A program is available for children while adults attend the grand opening ceremony, 1-3 p.m. “Celebrating Our Arboretum with Nature-Inspired Music,” an Earth Partnership for Families event, introduces children to the sounds of nature’s symphony throughout the ponds, prairies and woods of the Arboretum.

Kids will create music inspired by what they hear and sing popular songs that honor the natural world. Participants are reminded to dress for the weather; indoor and outdoor activities are planned.

Wisconsin artist Kathleen Parr McKenna will be in the exhibit hall to sign posters of her original artwork, “Morning Light at the Forest Edge,” which generated funds for the recent capital campaign. Proceeds from the $20 posters will support capital improvements.

Those who already own posters are welcome to bring them in for McKenna to sign, 2:30-5 p.m. McKenna’s artwork will be featured in the Arboretum’s Steinhauer Trust Gallery next spring.

On Sundays in September, 1-5 p.m., the Badger Trolley will be available for free, narrated tours of the Arboretum, thanks to the generosity of Friends of the Arboretum and Badger Coaches Inc.

Tours begin at the front steps of the visitor center and are expected to take about an hour. The Badger Trolley will be at the Arboretum Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30.

The public also can enjoy a miniseminar of the type usually only available to members of Friends of the Arboretum. Call 263-7760 to register for one of these sessions.