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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 Arboretum: A nature learning labJUST SAY "I SAW IT IN THE PRESS!" Thursday, March 12, 1981, Section 1 Brazos County Arboretum: A nature learning lab by George Ferguson Watch that raccoon go! He passed under the Chinese Tallow tree growing near the pond and headed straight for that huge blackberry briar patch. Moments before, the little mammal walked through a collection of native perennial grasses and over an area where a "pine plantation" is planned. It's a beautiful morning in early March, just before dawn. Not quite springtime, but it seems like it- -the small vreen flowers on the rattan vine are about ready to open, and a variety of birds are singing. That is the scene this morn- ing and every morning at the Brazos County Arboretum, located along the curved channel of Bee Creek at the end of Madison Avenue in College Station. It is the home to the raccoon, his relatives, friends and neighbors; for rabbits; and for birds plus a few snakes. But the Arboretum is -more than a habitat for these creatures. It is actually a laboratory for science and chemistry students, Scouts, lab classes, and students at Texas A &M University. It is also a place where arbor - culture is practiced, where anyone can enjoy looking and learning about the birds, plants and bees on exhibition there. Bill Fitch, an area developer, will tell you he is gratified that the 19 and one half acres of heavily wooded land he donated to the City of College Station in 1972 has turned out to be a place that is used for enjoyment of nature v a u e to ers, and at the same time has such educational value. Many area people have contributed time, talents and money to the establishment of the arboretum and are continuing to give to its im- provement. Beth Walterscheidt, a teacher at A &M Con- solidated High School, is an example. In addition to serv- ing on the board of directors Industrial Foundation policy statement The Brazos County In- dustrial Foundation is a private non - profit Texas Cor- poration comprised of volunteer citizens of Brazos County, whose directors are elected by the membership of the Bryan - College Station Chamber of Commerce. The Industrial Foundation is dedicated to providing infor- mation and data about Brazos County as well as homesites of any good, clean industry in any part of Brazos County in hopes of providing employment opportunities for the people of this area. As such we have never before received a demand to open the private file of any industrial prospect. This organization feels the respon- sibility of keeping the trust of the public and any industrial prospect who has or may have requested assistance for making an investment in the area. In keeping with this responsibility, the Board of Directors of the Brazos County Industrial Founda- tion voted today unanimous- ly to seek legal advise in response to a request to the opening of the private files of Westinghouse Johnny Lampo, President Ref: 822 -6417 of the Brazos County Ar- boretum Association, she books dates for groups to tour the site, "for any learn- ing experience." she said. "There are so many things to study there," Ms. Walterscheidt said, "the pond, life cycles, leaf collec- ting, grasses, trees, shrubs, birds, insects, tree diseases." And many more. For example, a field day is planned at the one- quarter acre blackberry patch in late spring, Ms. Walterscheidt said. Among other things planned that day is a seminar on how to "make jellies." Four years after Fitch donated the land, Brazos County Commissioners Court dedicated the ar- boretum to be started with funds available from the na- tion's bicentennial celebra- tion that year. Dr. Bob Dewers, associated with the Forestry - Science Dept. at Texas A &M and active in the Arboretum Association, said through the cooperation of the Commis- sioners, Andy Anderson, College Station mayor and other city officials in 1976, funds were set aside for beginning the development of the arboraceous area. First, Robert F. (Bob) White, former head of the Landscape Architecture Dept at Texas A &M, and a member of the Arboretum Assoc., designed parking and service areas at the undeveloped site. Later, White designed plans for trails through the area. In 1977, the association began planting trees. Through efforts of Mayor Anderson and other members trails and bridges were con- structed_ Most of the bridges in the arboretum were built with labor from the College Station Summer Youth Pro- Frigidaire gram, Dr. Dewers said. At ceremonies held to 1979, when a barbeque and a r field day were held at the site, the bridges and trail were of ficially opened. n Dr. Dewers said "It was�� pretty hard getting people in- , terested in the arboretum In early years, but it is on the road now. We are getting cooperation from the general, fi public, civic organizations,. I garden clubs and individuals, Even the highway department has put up signs on the s highway directing motorists to the arboretum." The Honorary Forestry Association put in a pine tree,,. plantation next to the cit cemetary, bordering the ar- boretum to the north, but the trees didn't survive because of the dry e ast .:;a:,:w,:::;:;: Y ather 1 year, ; ' Dr. Dewers s aid. "We plan to put the pine plantation in again," he said. :. "We also plan to keep im <k.,; FZ i 4: >'.;zx proving the arboretum P g boretum and make it more appealing to the In addition to elm, oak, public and students of area holly, sweetgum, hackberry, schools. Workshops are plan- yaupon, and scores of other ned fro teachers so they can trees, there is an interesting better utilize the facility for cactus collection. Many instructing students," Dr. species of cacti grown in Dewers said. Texas are featured. They all Dr. Dewers is also elated have colorful flowers and with the gramineturn part of thickened stems that usually the arboretum. This collec- bear spines. tion of nativ perennial For more informaion on grasses of clima vegetation the arboretum and the Brazos on local uplands was County Arboretum Assoc., established in 1979 by Dr. E. readers should contact the J. Dyksterhuis, noted North Department of Recreation American range ecologist. and Parks, City of College Anyone interested in Staion, 846 -4753. nature and the outdoors, There's that raccoon again. regardless of the level of in- He is moving slowly through terest for plant life, will enjoy the vines with the slender a visit to the Brazos County stems. Wonder if that coarse Arboretum. Each tree, fur protects his body from shrub, and plant i rl —.1red h- _: —n ivy? .. .U., ..,.,,,S lll� malls. There a ... ».... A handy guide, found at What's the next open date at the arboretum entrance, lists the arboretum, Ms. the more common woody Walterscheidt? plants of the arboretum and a few herbaceous species. d? 6 3 (white) $10 extra for color WHILE SUPPLY LASTS From Frigidaire. A Heavy Out washer that gets clothes clean, while pampering your fabrics with just the right care. • To get clothes thoroughly doused, scrubbed, and clean, the tub and agi- tator work together, creating a power- ful churning current of cleaning power. It's Frigidaire's 2 -way Extra Surging Wash Action. • No need to waste hot water, detergent, and other laundry aids. 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Here, Dinah Gerber of College Station is shown on a recent visit to the Arboretum.