A Greener Herbarium for the Botanical Research Institute of Texas Herbarium (BRIT-SMU-VDB): Compactorization for Generations to Come

一份授予德克萨斯植物研究所（BRIT）的合同将支持为BRIT- smu - vdb植物标本馆购买和安装移动存储单元和植物标本柜，该标本馆包含了代表地球大部分植物多样性的100多万个标本。这些标本被学生和专业人士以及公众广泛使用。用现代储存设备对这些藏品进行压缩，将使大量积压的具有重大科学价值的盒装标本得以合并，并将为它们的保存提供一个安全的环境。该项目的广泛影响包括大大改善了科学界和学生对大英博物馆藏品的可访问性，以及吸引公众的新机会。扩大教育计划和轮流展览将说明系统的植物标本馆收藏的价值。BRIT新建的“绿色”leed认证建筑使植物标本馆的扩建成为可能，这将促进藏品的长期增长，并为植物标本馆的研究、教育和推广创造一个优越的环境。一个完全紧凑的植物标本室，占地面积更小，使用再生钢和手动动力，是一个“绿色”植物标本室。这个奖项提供了一个及时和相关的机会，让公众参与并提高对保护生物多样性和自然资源的科学的认识。

An award to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) will support the purchase and installation of mobile storage units and herbarium cabinets for the BRIT-SMU-VDB Herbarium, which contains over one million specimens representing much of the Earth's plant diversity. These specimens are widely used by students and professionals as well as the general public. Compactorization of the collections with modern storage equipment will allow the incorporation of a large backlog of boxed specimens of great scientific value and will provide a safe environment for their preservation.Broader impacts of this project include greatly improved accessibility to BRIT's collections for the scientific community and students, as well as new opportunities to engage the public. Expanded educational programs and rotating exhibits will illustrate the value of systematic herbarium collections. The expansion of the herbarium made possible by the construction of BRIT's new, "green," LEED-certified building will facilitate long-term growth of the collections and create a superior environment for herbarium research, education, and outreach. A fully compactorized herbarium, with a smaller footprint, using recycled steel and manual power, is a "green" herbarium. This award presents a timely and relevant opportunity to engage the public and increase appreciation for science in the service of conservation of biodiversity and natural resources.