| Since her return upon retirement
to Patton Valley, Dr. Patton has nurtured her property to
become a showcase of conservation and natural beauty. “My
hill is a testament to nature’s innate value,”
she has said. “I have become increasingly aware of the
beauty and peacefulness and the sustaining force of nature
in my life.”
In gifting her land to Western, Dr. Patton’s vision
was to preserve the property for educational and research
purposes so that students of all ages could come to Patton
Valley to experience science and learn about indigenous plants
and animals.
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| Butterfly
Weed, Asclepias tuberosa (© Susan Roberts) |
 |
| Daring Jumping Spider, Phidippus audax (©
Susan Roberts) |
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| Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene
carolina (© Susan Roberts) |
|
