Norton Asks For Answers on Proposed Destruction of Plants at National Arboretum

Photo of National Arboretum Stone Border by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC He writes, “Sunlight picks out a stone border of a path in the Azalea Collections at the National Arboretum.”

We spoke about the Azalea controversy on Wed. before Thanksgiving.

From a Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton press release:

The Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released a letter she wrote to U.S. National Arboretum Interim Director Dr. Ramon Jordan concerning maintaining the azalea garden at the federally owned botanical garden. In her letter, Norton asks Jordan to explain what can be done to preserve the full azalea garden at the U.S. National Arboretum, after learning from constituents of a planned destruction of 20 percent of the garden’s azalea collection for next year.

“I have worked for years with the Friends of the National Arboretum and others to help maintain this national treasure,” said Norton. “The arboretum and its wide array of horticulture are essential to research and of great benefit to the District’s economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.”

Norton’s letter follows.
—–
Dr. Ramon Jordan
Interim Director
U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002

Dear Dr. Jordan,

A constituent recently wrote me concerning a proposal to minimize or destroy the unique azalea garden and other plant collections at the U.S. National Arboretum. I have worked with the Friends of the National Arboretum and with the National Arboretum to maintain this national treasure, essential for horticulture research and display, and a great benefit to the District of Columbia economy, District and regional residents, and tourists from throughout the world. I ask that you to explain and update me on this matter and on what can be done to maintain this national attraction. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton
Member of Congress