Edgewood College To Create Nature Walk on Lake Shore – Madison Community Foundation Grant Makes it Possible

Madison, Wis. (November 30, 2006) – Edgewood College will build a boardwalk and woodland path along the shoreline of Lake Wingra. The project will consist of an extension of the existing pier behind Mazzuchelli Hall on campus, which will join to a woodland path. A grant from the Madison Community Foundation makes the new nature walk possible, said Edgewood College President Dan Carey.

“We are so fortunate to be stewards of this beautiful campus,” Carey said. “We look forward to offering increased opportunities for students to study the ecology of the area through this access to our shared natural treasure.”

Kathleen Woit, President of the Madison Community Foundation, said Edgewood College and the MCF share environmental stewardship – and education – as ongoing goals.

“This project combines community outreach, land conservation, and nature education, capitalizing on Edgewood College’s access to woodland, marsh and water habitat,” Woit said. “By providing access to habitats along previously unreachable sections of shoreline, the College promotes kindergarten-through-college learning and provides enjoyment for the greater Madison community.”

College officials say the project is the result of the efforts of several faculty and staff on the Edgewood College campus, saying the new boardwalk will build community and be a source of pride for the College, Edgewood High School, the Edgewood Campus School, and the surrounding neighborhood. The boardwalk design will include input from community groups such as the Vilas and Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Associations, and environmental groups such as Friends of Lake Wingra.

About the Madison Community Foundation

The Madison Community Foundation encourages, facilitates and manages long-term philanthropy. It was established in 1942 as a tax-exempt community trust and is governed by a Board of Governors representing the broad interests of the community. The Foundation awarded over $1.7 million in grants in 2006, focusing on such areas as learning, community building and environmental conservation. More information is available online at www.madisoncommunityfoundation.org.

About Edgewood College

Located in Madison, WI, Edgewood College is a liberal arts Catholic college in the Dominican tradition, with 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master’s degrees in business, education, nursing, and other fields, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership. For more information about Edgewood College, please visit www.edgewood.edu, or call Ed Taylor in Marketing & Communications at 608-663-2333.