The great outdoors
Randy Ortgiesen, head of the Facilities Engineering Services Section, wrote this week's column.
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| Randy Ortgiesen |
I talked to a friend over the weekend who had recently picked raspberries on the Rock River. As he described the river and the beautiful scenery, it reminded me of how much I appreciate the Fermilab landscape and the contributions from the not-for-profit group Fermilab Natural Areas.
Most of our visitors and neighbors know we conduct basic scientific research. But many probably don't know the role our laboratory plays as the steward for Fermilab's 6,800 acres of diverse ecosystems. Most probably don't know that the Ecological Land Management Committee, a dedicated group of volunteers, oversees and makes recommendations for managing and facilitating the restoration of wetlands, grasslands, forests and savanna on site. Thanks to the many volunteers over the years, the laboratory's natural areas are a resource enjoyed by all. As we define the future mission for the laboratory, land management will become even more significant.
Our dedicated volunteers also recognized that boosting the preservation and restoration efforts required more participation, a broader range of projects and more funding. They formed a not-for-profit group, Fermilab Natural Areas, which helps to restore, manage and conserve Fermilab's natural landscape.
The experts who make up the FNA Board of Directors have identified important future projects including: oak savanna restoration, prairie interpretive trail upgrades, wetland upgrades, prairie restoration enhancements and native plant shoreline restoration. Obtaining funding for these projects is a critical next step, and I am impressed with the plan developed by FNA to aggressively pursue grants and to seek support from the local business community, individual donations and membership.
You can get more information on these efforts and how to participate on the FNA Web site.
I enjoy the natural beauty of the great outdoors, and appreciate the majesty of a white oak and the feel of a mellow summer morning. I thank our Roads and Grounds department, FNA and all other volunteers for their many contributions to help preserve our natural areas for future generations. If you enjoy nature as much as I do, you may want to get involved too.
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