DeKALB — Home to a variety of species of plants, ranging from cacti to banana trees, the NIU display greenhouse is one of several greenhouses owned by NIU.
NIU Greenhouse gardener Craig Shultz explained that the greenhouses are used for research, certain classes, and spectating.
“We have four houses of display for the collection for botany classes. There are also four research greenhouses for classes like BIOS 211,” Shultz said.
The display greenhouse serves as an area to relax and an environment to learn about different plant species. Sophomore nursing major Igil Mohamed takes advantage of the greenhouse to decompress.
“It’s really cool to come down here and see the different species,” Mohamed said. “It kind of relaxes me in a way, I come down here after work when I have the time just to decompress a bit.”
Shultz also mentioned that the Communiversity Gardens are beginning preparations for their upcoming plant sale.
The Communiversity Gardens is a partnership between NIU and Rooted For Good established in 2014 with the goal of “end food insecurity, promote sustainability and educate,” according to the Community Garden events calendar website.
There are no events currently planned by the Communiversity Gardens, but volunteer hours are available for students to come help prepare the garden for seedlings, cleaning and maintaining the gardens around campus.
This display greenhouse is free to visit and available to students from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
