Arboretum center opens Sept. 8

The Arboretum will cut the ribbon to symbolize the official opening of its expanded visitor center Saturday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. on the steps of the new entrance to the building, one of several events in September to celebrate the grand opening.

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 creation of 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 deliver an opening address in the new auditorium. Ewel has a long association with the Arboretum and was instrumental in guiding the Arboretum toward the establishment of a research program in restoration ecology. Refreshments will be served following Ewel’s address.

A special program is available for children while adults are 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. Posters will be available to buy for $20, with all proceeds to support capital improvement projects. 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, the Badger Trolley will be available for free, narrated tours of the Arboretum, 1-5 p.m. 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 new bookstore is open for business and features field guides on plants, animals and birds, and postcards and notecards depicting native flora and fauna. Bookstore hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, and 12:30-4 p.m. weekends, September through May (11 a.m.-3 p.m. June through August).

The Steinhauer Trust Gallery will feature rotating exhibits of area artists that celebrate the beauty and diversity of native Wisconsin. The works of Madison-based artist Patricia Keller will be featured through November.

Madison quilter Natalie Sewell has created “Almost Autumn,” a quilt featuring an impressionistic rendition of a woodland scene, which will be on display through November. Other area fiber artists’ works will be on display near the reception area throughout the year.