Upgrades and an addition to Ball State’s greenhouses will enhance faculty and student scholarship and support our environmental studies and sustainability curriculum. It will provide students with plant materials for classes, space for research projects, and practical experience in greenhouse management. Faculty will be able to use it to support their botanical and environmental research projects.
The teaching and orchid greenhouse facilities of Christy Woods are an essential component of the education of thousands of students, alumni, and visitors from near and far. Ball State faculty and students have conducted numerous research projects in the greenhouses, which provide a year-round sanctuary and public green space for more than 4,200 plants.
The Wheeler Orchid Collection and Species Bank showcases 1,800 plants. The bank continues to emphasize conservation and education by maintaining more than 200 genera, represented by more than 1,100 different species and in excess of 700 hybrid orchids. The facility is also a rescue center for the United States Department of Agriculture, which protects rare and endangered species of plants brought illegally into the country.
Through your gift, upgrades will be designed and constructed to increase energy and resource efficiency and promote sustainability.
Phase 1 ($300,000)
- Construct 1,000-square-foot greenhouse as an addition to the Teaching and Research Greenhouse with adjoining student project area
- Create a green technology environment
- Add a rainwater catchment recycling system
Phase 2
- Additional rooms for teaching collections, research, and a conservatory
- Expand display areas for diverse plant collections, including the renowned Wheeler Orchid Collection and Species Bank
- Expand entry room for visitors and classes
- Install water purification and humidification system
- Control shading and lighting environment for plants
- Create endowments for operation the greenhouse and provide immersive learning opportunities
Download a booklet [PDF] about the greenhouses.