What is the Department of Plant Biology Conservatory and Collections, and what role does it play on campus?

The Department of Plant Biology Conservatory and Collections is part of the School of Integrative Biology (SIB) in the College of LAS.  It is primarily utilized as an educational resource for courses in SIB, but it also supports other university courses that bring their classes through in areas such as, Horticulture, Entomology, Crop Science, Engineering and Art.  The Conservatory is open to the public (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm) and serves our community as a space for all folks to learn, explore, be creative, find peace, and provide a much-needed reprieve from the winter blues this time of year.  My hope is that visitors enjoy their experience at our Conservatory and leave with a feeling of appreciation for the positive impact that plants and green spaces have on our planet and well-being.  I like to think of it as a gateway for people to get inspired to pursue a career in the field of plant sciences. 

If a local club or school group is interested in organizing a visit, what steps should they follow?

If a group is interested in visiting I recommend emailing the Plant Biology Greenhouse staff at pb-greenhouse@sib.illinois.edu  We do provide 30-45 minute tours for groups of 15 or less, as our schedules allow.  Spring semester is our busiest time of the year at the greenhouse so we often are not able to provide tours at that time, but I still highly encourage groups to come through anyway for a visit.  A guided tour is certainly not required to enjoy the Conservatory!  We have individuals and small groups come through regularly that enjoy exploring at their own pace.  I still recommend reaching out though about a group of 10 or more wanting to visit to make sure it doesn’t overlap with other scheduled classes or large groups that have planned to come through.

Since the Conservatory welcomes visitors of all ages, do you have any recommendations for youth clubs, older adults, alumni, or plant enthusiasts to help them fully appreciate and experience the Conservatory’s diversity?

I would say take the time to not just walk through the Conservatory but the Collections rooms as well, which are down the hallway connected to the Conservatory.  There are rooms with different biomes like desert, sub-tropical and tropical.  Look at plant labels because the plant itself may not be “showy” but you could learn that it is an economical food crop, like coffee!  And look up!  There are a lot of tall plants in the Conservatory that display their flowers at the canopy so take it in fully from top to bottom.  There is a lot of picture worthy material so be prepared to want to take a lot of photos.  One of the items we are working on is adding informational signage to the Conservatory and the Collections rooms to highlight and provide education about a group of plants.  You can also follow us on our Instagram account uiucplantbiogreenhouse to see what is in bloom throughout the year and make a plan to stop by.  I am trying to make our “hidden gem” of C-U not so hidden. 

You’ve been involved with the Conservatory for over 17 years. Can you give an overview of your career path and how you came to lead the Conservatory? What has been the most substantial change you’ve witnessed or been responsible for during your time here?

My first experience at the Plant Biology Greenhouse was in the late 1990’s when I worked here as an undergraduate employee.  I graduated in 1999 with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and my work experience at the greenhouse helped me to get a job at a nursery growing perennials.  After 3 years I decided that I wanted to pursue a Master’s degree so in 2023 I started graduate school at the U of I and got to work on a project and area of study that I am passionate about; utilizing beneficial arthropods to reduce the use of pesticides.  After graduating I started working at the Plant Care Facility in the College of ACES as a greenhouse manager and I did that for 17 years.  I have been in my current role as Plant Biology Greenhouse Coordinator/Assistant Director of Plant Biology Growth Facilities for 3 years.  It feels like coming full circle after having worked here as an undergrad. 

I would say the most substantial change that I am proud of for the greenhouse complex as a whole is starting a biological control program that the entire facility utilizes to this day.  The greenhouse managers do not spray anywhere near the quantity of pesticides that we used 10+ years ago because and we all release beneficial arthropods. 

In my current role at the Plant Biology Greenhouse a lot of hard work was put into revamping the Conservatory and Collections so we could open it to the public again after the Covid years.  The Plant Biology department recognizes what a special space we have and the important role it plays in education and outreach so they have been very supportive of investing in improvements and upgrades to the facility.