Shineman Center Greenhouse

The Department of Biological Sciences greenhouse supports teaching, research, and outreach.

Mission

Our 1,250 square foot greenhouse contains a vibrant plant collection that supports teaching, research, and public outreach. We offer space and opportunities for student research and training, fostering a hands-on learning environment. By collaborating with the campus community, we promote interdisciplinary projects that highlight plant diversity, conservation, and ecological issues. Our goal is to encourage botanical education and a deeper appreciation of the plant kingdom, while providing a reflective space on campus dedicated to the wonders of the natural world.

Location

The greenhouse is located on the fourth floor of the Shineman Center, on the north side of the building with a lovely view of Lake Ontario. It is accessible via the northwest stairwell of the Shineman Center or by taking the north elevator. From the first floor, take the elevator located across from Room 174 and ride up to the roof (R).

Coming soon: Spring 2025 Greenhouse Open Hours

Upcoming Event: Cruising the Campus

Friday, December 27, 2024, 1:00-5:00 PM

Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 1:00-5:00 PM

Spend some quality time with our plant collections and enjoy the view of Lake Ontario (13th largest lake in the world) from our rooftop greenhouse. Dr. Hellquist will be on hand during open hours to visit and answer questions.

There will be scavenger hunts for kids where they can look for marked plants to learn a fact or two about each species such as where they live, their ecology, or how they interact with people.

A limited number of plants will be available for giveaways on the hallway tables outside the greenhouse.

The greenhouse can be accessed via the elevator across from Room 174. Take the elevator to "R: Rooftop greenhouse." Signs in the Shineman Center atrium will guide the way.

Biological Sciences Herbarium Rice Creek Field Station Sustainability Alvar Gardens

Our Collections

Our greenhouse features plants that represent importance to ecology, evolution, history and aesthetics. Species from tropical, temperate, semi-arid, and arid biomes, provide a glimpse into the diverse climates of our planet. We also feature plants that highlight amazing evolutionary patterns and histories, illustrating how ecological conditions drive evolutionary change. Some plants are of conservation concern, reminding us of the importance of protecting biodiversity. Others tell rich stories of cultural, economic, and historical significance, connecting us to the ways plants have shaped human history.

Plant Diversity

We have approximately 220 species (and counting) from North America, South America, Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. Our collection has members of all major plant lineages—bryophytes, ferns and their immediate relatives, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. We have over 50 species of cacti and other succulents, orchids, plants that are extinct in the wild, as well as airplants, water plants, and carnivorous plants.

Our collection also includes the species with the largest flower cluster in the world. Our "living fossils" represent ancient evolutionary lineages, offering a glimpse into the distant past. We also have a plant with no leaves or roots, akin to the first plants that colonized land.

In addition, our collection includes many species of significant cultural or historical importance. Among these species are plants of economic importance including chocolate, vanilla, sugarcane, and the first source of paper. These plants not only enrich our understanding of biodiversity, but also connect us to the cultural narratives that shape our world. These include:

baobab
cinnamon
chocolate
coffee

fig
mango
neem
papaya

pineapple
sugarcane
sweetgrass
tea
vanilla

Activities

The greenhouse is available for public outreach in a variety of contexts. During the school year, our greenhouse is open for regular visitation hours. Feel free to drop by, explore our plant collections, and learn more about the diverse flora we study and conserve. Hours of operation will be updated each semester.

To learn about upcoming events, other activities, and more about our collections, follow the greenhouse on Instagram!

SUNY Oswego Classes

The greenhouse is a dynamic learning environment used by SUNY Oswego classes. Students in BIO 320 (Introductory Ecology) even present their greenhouse research projects at events such as Quest. We encourage all departments, whether science-related or not, to use the greenhouse.

School Field Trips

Students from local area schools are invited to stop by the greenhouse during their campus visits. Students can explore the greenhouse through our botanical scavenger hunt activities or on their own, following their sense of curiosity.

Family and Friends Open House

Join us during the Fall Family and Friends Weekend for our open house . It’s a great opportunity to bring your loved ones and show them the fascinating world of botany at SUNY Oswego.

Cruising the Campus

Over the winter holiday break, don’t miss our "Cruising the Campus" open hours. It's the perfect time to explore the greenhouse and escape the winter chill with a touch of greenery.

STEM Community Day

In the spring semester, we participate in STEM Community Day. This event is perfect for those passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math, with plenty of interactive activities and displays.

Events

Get Involved or Visit

If you're a SUNY Oswego student with federal work-study, we have exciting job opportunities available during the semester.

For SUNY Oswego students, high school students, or community members who are interested in volunteering, we welcome you to join us as well.

We also love hosting groups at the greenhouse. If you're interested in arranging a visit, just let us know and we'll take care of the details. We're always excited to share our space and passion for plants with others!

Two students in the greenhouse, looking at cacti

Contact

Greenhouse Manager

Ashlee Smith
209 Shineman Center
315.312.2768
Information about student hiring, facility maintenance, and operations

Plant Collections Manager

Dr. C. Eric Hellquist
324 Shineman Center
315.312.2523
[email protected]
Information about class use, plant collections, tours, volunteering, and public outreach