Outreach

We are proud to be part of Michigan State University’s Science Festival, a free event that celebrates STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) in the spring. We share lessons and experiences in plant Biodiversity, Awareness, and Stewardship by creating fun and interactive activities for people of all ages. Some of the activities the Herbarium has done in years past include tours of the MSU Herbarium and conservatory, with information about history, importance, and collections; hands on exploration of microscopic plant parts and lichens; educational coloring pages; mount-your-own specimen activities; and exhibits about poisonous and tropical plants.

Every February, the MSU Museum hosts SciCurious, and event for the public to get a behind-the-scenes look at MSU's natural history collections. The MSU Herbarium brings specimens and other materials centered around plant biodiversity. Our exhibits in years past have included plant defenses, pollinators and passion flowers, lichen fluorescence, and our changing flora in MSU’s Baker woodlot.

Also in spring, the Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens hosts a day in the garden to "celery-brate" plant sciences by offering a wide variety of hands-on activites, showcasing green careers, and highlighting the wondrous world of plants used in textiles, food and drink, beauty products, art, and more. The MSU Herbarium joins in on the fun by bringing along plant specimens to showcase. Past events included activities where attendees tested their abilities to match seeds to specimens in a fun mini-game, and looked under microscopes to learn about seed dispersal strategies.

Primary and Secondary School Involvement

We want to get kids excited about plant biodiversity and herbaria. Our outreach efforts geared towards primary and secondary aged children include bringing specimens to schools for classroom activities and science fairs, and providing resources and one on one assistance to teachers for herbarium-related activities.

Herbarium Tours

We encourage any university students or classes, primary or secondary school classes, community groups, families, or individuals to contact us to set up a tour of the MSU Herbarium. We will walk you through the Herbarium, teach you about plants, biodiversity, and history, have optional activities prepared, and answer any questions you may have about plants or herbaria! 

Visit our Contact page to get in touch with us about scheduling a tour.

Social Media

Here at the MSU Herbarium we share our collections, knowledge, and excitement for plants on our social media. Find us on Twitter @MSU_Herbarium, Facebook @MSUHerbarium, and YouTube at Michigan State University Herbarium!

MSU Herbarium Coloring Book