University of Montana Herbarium
The University of Montana Herbarium is the largest collection of plant specimens in the state, housing over 135,000 samples including plants, lichens, mosses, algae, and seeds. The collection grows each year with new samples from local and regional areas.
The Herbarium was founded in 1897 by Dr. Morton Elrod, the university's first biology professor, who brought his own collection of locally found plants. Over the decades it faced difficulties, particularly during World War II, but continued growing and was merged with the Division of Biological Sciences in 1990.
The collection reflects Montana's diverse environment, with plants from mountain slopes, forest floors, and dry plains. Each specimen carries labels showing where and when it was collected, telling stories of the region's natural history.
To visit the Herbarium, you need to schedule an appointment as it is not regularly open to the public. The space is quiet and focused, with carefully stored plant samples that researchers and students can access easily.
In the 1990s, a group of scientists and local supporters saved the Herbarium from closure by raising funds and founding the Friends of the UM Herbarium. This grassroots effort shows how important the collection is to the local scientific community.
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