Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association Contributes to Greenhouse Project
May 11, 2009
Contacts:
Ray Klein, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 515.294.3303
Brian Meyer, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 515.294.0706
Dave Gieseke, ISU Foundation Communications, 515.294.7263
AMES, Iowa-- The Iowa Nurseryman’s Research Corporation has contributed $100,000 to a new state-of-the-art greenhouse complex at Iowa State University.
The $6 million complex will replace the existing, aging structure on Iowa State’s Central Campus. It will include teaching and research greenhouse space, a conservatory with an associated plant collection area and an expanded head house area.
The complex will extend to the south side of Horticulture Hall, the home of the department of horticulture, with the conservatory facing central campus as a welcoming entrance for visitors. The facility will create additional teaching and research areas and highly efficient growing space that will lead to enhanced classroom activities and greater education opportunities.
The greenhouse complex will be made up of several individual units designed for research, education or plant collection. Iowa State students and faculty will have access to a facility in which tight construction and solid concrete floors protect against environmental concerns and pathogen, weed and pest infiltration. Each unit will have computerized controls to manage all environmental parameters that affect plant growth and development, with the capacity to monitor and change conditions.
"These features, which have never before been available to our faculty and students, promise to spur new research, increase student recruitment and advance student experiences that are in step with today’s growing horticulture industry," said Jeffery Iles, professor and chair of the department of horticulture.
The Iowa Nurseryman’s Research Corporation (INRC) is the research arm of the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association represents the interests and concerns of nursery and landscape professionals. Through education, legislative monitoring and the INLA Certified Nursery Professional Program, "Pros To Grow With," the INLA strives to promote the growth and vitality of horticulture in the state of Iowa.
"The current members of the INRC felt that the need for a new research and teaching greenhouse fit the goals of our organization," said Todd Brockshus of Spencer. "The gift on behalf of the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association is due to the hard work, stewardship and history of professors of horticulture at Iowa State University and the Iowa Nurserymen’s Research Corporation."
Other current members of the INRC include Dale Siems, Charles City; John Vermeer, Pella; Eric Sjulin, Hamburg; and Linda Greives, Ankeny.
The gift is part of Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose, the university’s $800 million fundraising effort. More than $671 million in gifts and future commitments for facilities and student, faculty and programmatic support have been made to Campaign Iowa State.
