Our greenhouses provide much-needed plants for our instructional labs and research programs. We have them listed with details in our greenhouse plant inventory.
The facilities are also open to the public for year-round learning and enjoyment. The greenhouse staff strives to provide:
- An instructional facility that welcomes students and the public for learning
- A high quality botanical collection to be used by programs for classes
- A research facility that is ready and able to host projects supported by our faculty
- Experienced and technical expertise in plant as well as greenhouse care
Teaching Space
Every year, thousands of UMD students visit our greenhouses for a variety of classes from Biology and Society (BIOL 1001) and General Biology II (BIOL 1012) to upper-division courses such as Plant Physiology (BIOL 4604) and Coevolution (BIOL 5401).
Our student clientele extends far beyond the disciplines of biology and is used by art classes (drawing and photography) and medicinal plant classes (pharmacy and anthropology). The greenhouse is also a regular stop for UMD campus tours and public outreach activities.
Visit Us
The Department of Biology greenhouses are free and open to the public throughout the year from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding observed University holidays. We welcome drop-in visitors to walk through and see what is new and flowering.
The year-round warmth and beauty of our greenhouses attract many visitors from around campus and the Duluth community to learn about native and exotic plants, rearing techniques, and to obtain a brief respite from northern Minnesota weather.
We also offer guided tours of our collections with the greenhouse manager. To schedule a tour for your school group, garden club, or other community group contact the greenhouse manager at least two weeks in advance.
Get Involved
There are opportunities to participate in greenhouse activities through employment, volunteering, and faculty directed research projects.
However, everyone must complete the Department of Biology Laboratory Safety Training Program before engaging in activities within the greenhouses.
Student Employment Opportunities
The greenhouse participates in the Work Study Program and generally hires students at the beginning of the fall semester. Greenhouse assistant positions involve plant care, database management and facilities maintenance. You may access job postings through the UMD employment website.
Volunteering
Volunteer positions are available in the greenhouse at the discretion of the green house manager. You are encouraged to stop by LSci 205F or contact Frank Maragi, the Greenhouse Manager at (218) 726-7035 or [email protected], to discuss volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers will be asked to commit to at least one semester for 2 hours a week at a specified time compatible with greenhouse management. In the past, volunteers have participated in plant propagation, transplanting, watering, and overall greenhouse maintenance.
Internships, Independent Studies and Research
One of our primary goals is to provide opportunities for students to work with and learn from plants. Faculty and staff can provide you with opportunities to work with plants and conduct research for courses and independent study.
If you are interested in a particular plant-based topic, seek help from your academic advisor to learn how best to proceed.
The greenhouse environments are all computer controlled to carefully regulate the environment and space for sponsored projects is currently limited to two bays.
UMD Greenhouse Plant Partners Resources
Greenhouse Contact Information
Green House Manager - Charleen Kehoe
Life Science Building 205F
(218) 726-7258
[email protected]
Coordinator - Frank Maragi
Life Science Building 30
(218) 726-7035
[email protected]
Directions
From Woodland Drive, enter the UMD campus from College Street. Take the first right on University Drive. Parking can be found at meters along the perimeter of Lot A and Lot B. The "Lower Greenhouse" is located in the courtyard near the entrance to the School of Medicine adjacent to Lot A.