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Vol. LXI, No. 1
January 9, 2009
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Stadtman Gift Expands, Embellishes Rock Creek Regional Park

Dr. Thressa C. Stadtman, a principal investigator in NHLBI’s Laboratory of Biochemistry, recently deeded 5.8 acres of her property to form an expansion of Rock Creek Regional Park. The land, which includes the house she shared with her husband, the late Dr. Earl Stadtman, will be known as “The Stadtman Preserve.”

On Dec. 18, the Montgomery County Planning Board unanimously approved the addition to the park in Derwood.

“I am pleased to recommend to you today to authorize the acceptance of this generous gift of real estate from Dr. Thressa C. Stadtman, which will expand Rock Creek Regional Park,” said Bill Gries, Department of Parks land acquisition specialist, at a planning board meeting.

Stadtman’s gift requires that the land not be developed and that it be managed in perpetuity as conservation parkland to maintain the existing natural resources. It also conveys the land to the Department of Parks outright and at no cost with the request that the gift tract be named The Stadtman Preserve.

“This exciting extension to the parks system offers greater protection of the natural resour-ces of the Mill Creek and Rock Creek Stream Valley,” said Department of Parks planner Dominic Quattrocchi. “The property, directly adjacent to an important biodiversity area, meets the criteria for designation as a county Legacy Open Space natural resources site. It’s simply a beautiful property.”

The gift property is located east of Redland Rd., adjacent to Rock Creek Stream Valley Park along Mill Creek and was valued at over $1 million in January 2006. The property features high-quality mature forest, steep slopes, floodplain, high-quality wetlands and a perennial stream. It also features approximately 1,000 azaleas and rhododendrons, planted by Dr. Earl Stadtman. The site also includes a locally significant modern movement house built in 1961 in which Dr. Thressa Stadtman currently resides and for which she will reserve a life estate as a condition of the gift.

“This is really an enormous gift that will keep on giving to future generations enjoying Rock Creek Regional Park and will help protect the watershed,” said Director of Parks Mary Bradford. “We just can’t thank Dr. Stadtman enough for her generosity.” NIHRecord Icon

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