MUNCIE, Ind. – With warm weather moving in, Ball State’s Joe Rinard Orchid Greenhouse becomes the perfect place to inhale a breath of fresh air while also being immersed into a plant paradise.

With over 3000 plants in total, it houses the largest collegiate orchid collection in the U.S., and that collection is about to be a little bigger.

Environmental education program coordinator and Rinard Orchid Greenhouse Assistant, Erica Oliver, is helping with the expansion.

“We are in the process of expanding the orchid greenhouse to double our conservatory in size so we can have a wider variety of tropical plants and animals to show the public and provide educational opportunities about them,” Oliver said.

Oliver also mentioned the construction of a classroom being part of the process, which will provide plenty of access to educational materials for students. The learning aspect of the greenhouse can really come to life once the new addition is built.

Oliver also spoke on what the new construction means for her and her role in the greenhouse community.

“I will be using that space…to provide environmental education opportunities on anything from the tropical ecology of the orchids…to Indiana ecology,” Oliver said.

The new addition is set to be completed in June with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held to celebrate the new expansion.

While the public is waiting for the add-on, the Joe Rinard Orchid Greenhouse welcomes visitors weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact Teagan O’Meara with comments at teagan.omeara@bsu.edu

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