Rogers Group blazes trail for the Arboretum
The Rogers Group has a long history of paving the way. Literally. Founded by Ralph Rogers in 1908, this privately owned company is in the business of providing crushed stone, sand and gravel, asphalt, and highway construction in five states. With a strong tradition of community and environmental support, they've taken their commitment to a new level for the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge, helping ensure its future by pledging $500,000 toward the $3 million endowment the Arboretum plans to raise.
The Rogers Group's Oak Ridge facility is adjacent to the 2,260-acre Forest Resources Research and Education Center, where the UT Arboretum is situated. Rogers Group has a longstanding relationship with the Arboretum, a cherished community landmark that attracts over 35,000 visitors each year. Rogers Group also has a history of being a good corporate citizen and environmental steward.
According to Rogers Group Vice President David Rechter, "Supporting the UT Arboretum is a natural fit for our commitment to the communities we work in. When the University of Tennessee approached us to make a lead gift and seed the $3 million initiative to endow the Arboretum, we knew we wanted to be a part of the effort. The UT Arboretum is an important part of the community and a good neighbor that serves as a resource and outdoor classroom for area schools, Boy and Girl Scouts, university students, and local residents. We're proud to lead the way."
The UT Arboretum is indeed an important community resource. Functioning as a 250-acre living museum and forested retreat, the Arboretum represents East Tennessee's natural heritage with over 2,000 plant specimens representing more than 800 species, varieties, and cultivars. The Arboretum functions as outdoor classroom and laboratory for students and faculty alike.
"We've always enjoyed a strong relationship with Rogers Group. They have a great company ethic when it comes to people, community, and the environment," said Richard Evans, director of the UT Arboretum. "Because of their leadership and commitment, we're well on our way to ensuring the future and viability of the UT Arboretum for generations to come."
The campaign to build an endowment is part of a larger vision to expand and care for plant collections, including dogwoods, hollies, junipers, magnolias, and more.
The endowment will help improve facilities and create robust educational and outreach programs. Evans also hopes to eventually be able to hire a full-time coordinator for the Arboretum to help manage those programs.
"We recognize that to continue providing valuable programs and expand collections in meaningful ways, we must have the support of individuals and corporations alike. We're thankful to the Rogers Group for helping us create great momentum." said Evans.
To learn more about supporting the UT Arboretum, contact Richard Evans at (865) 483-3571 or Rhodes Logan at (865) 974-1928. Visit the UT Arboretum Society online at www.utarboretumsociety.org. To learn more about the Rogers Group, visit them on the Web at www.rogersgroupinc.com.
-Amy Yancey Jenkins
From the University of Tennessess Institute of Agriculture
publication Tennessee Land, Life & Science, vol.4, no.1, 2006
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