Forest Products Laboratory 9:30 Tour
Have you ever wondered what happens in the building near the Veterans Hospital and the UW Hospital and Clinics? The research in this laboratory serves the entire United States, and indeed, the world. Begun in 1910, the first of its kind, the lab has deep collections of wood and wood products. It also conducts up-to-the-minute research in how wood and derivatives of wood can be used to safely build and fire-proof high rise buildings, add strength to concrete, reduce the carbon footprint of construction and much more.
Be prepared to walk on a variety of surfaces including flights of stairs. Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes as we will be going to the laboratories where the scientists work. There is no seating available during tour.
Security
When you register through PLATO, your name will be placed on a Tour Attendance list, please make an X by your name to signify that you are in the building. The tour starts in the lobby. Feel free to roam the lobby area while you wait for the tour to begin.
PLATO has two Tour Groups, the group you are in, which starts at 9:30 and an earlier group, starting at 9:15 am. The tour is scheduled to take an hour plus some time for questions.
Please let us know (Mike DiIorio at mdiiorio@tds.net) if your plans change and you can no longer join us. We look forward to seeing you on the tour of the Forest Products Laboratory.
Tour of the Forest Products Laboratory will begin at 9:30 a.m. If you are late for the beginning of the tour, we cannot guarantee you will be able to participate. Tours run approximately an hour.
Location of the Forest Products Laboratory
The Forest Products Laboratory is located at 1 Gifford Pinchot Drive in Madison, Wisconsin. The main building is most easily accessed via Walnut Street.
Parking at the Forest Products Laboratory
The Lab’s parking is available to you. There are designated guest spots, but you can park in any of the marked parking spots. Accessible parking spots are clearly marked at convenient spaces closest to the front entrance of the main building.
Entrance to the Forest Products Laboratory
All visitors to the Lab must check-in at the Front Desk in the main building. The main inner doors are locked. Please ring the doorbell. A Security Guard will allow access into the building.
Accessibility
There is also elevator entrance access to the main building. Northeast of the main entrance is an Accessibility sign with an intercom. Speak into the intercom so the Security Guard can admit access to the elevator.
Visit their website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/fpl
Facilities
There are bathroom facilities at both the start and end of the walk.
General Guidance
Please feel welcome to wear masks.
Questions?
Contact trip leader Mike Dilorio at mdiiorio@tds.net
