MUNCIE, Ind. – The Rinard Orchid Greenhouse is full of plants and live animals. The building consists of the greenhouse and nature lab. Students visit from all over Muncie to explore the otherworldly place. The greenhouse is used as a place of learning, environmental sustainability, and hands-on experiences.
“I think college students wanna have fun just as much as everybody else, and you’ll retain more information if you’re having fun at the same time,” Erica Oliver said.
The nature lab has two salamanders, a box turtle named Beaker, and bees. There is an open space with tables, chairs, a sandbox and a fun rug. The place was also recently used for a wedding reception. The greenhouse part is divided into three sections. Each section of the greenhouse differs in temperature and humidity based on the plants and animals there.
“It is a daily commitment to ensuring all three zones maintain temperature and humidity,” Halyn Farris said.
The staff wake up as early as 2 a.m. to go take care of the animals and water the plants before the greenhouse opens to the public. Watering all the plants takes about three hours each day. This greenhouse is also very special for another reason. It is the largest collegiate orchid collection in America. The staff take pride in their work and appreciate what comes out of the experiences the palace provides.
“I think you can’t develop an appreciation for something unless you’re in it,” Farris said.
This greenhouse has many different components for all ages. Each little bit impacts it’s visitors in a different way. Hands-on education allows students to use their senses in context with the things and ideas around them such as holding a turtle or touching the leaves of a banana plant.
Contact Stephanie Weaver with comments at stephanie.weaver@bsu.edu
