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

得克萨斯州植物研究所(BRIT)的一项奖励将支持为BRIT-SMU-VDB植物标本馆购买和安装移动存储单元和标本柜，该标本库包含100多万个代表地球上大部分植物多样性的标本。这些标本被学生和专业人士以及普通公众广泛使用。将藏品用现代存储设备压缩，将允许大量积压的具有重要科学价值的盒装标本被纳入其中，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极大地改善了科学界和学生获取BRIT藏品的机会，以及新的参与公众的机会。扩大的教育项目和轮流的展品将展示系统性标本收藏的价值。BRIT新的绿色、LEED认证建筑的建设使标本馆的扩建成为可能，这将促进藏品的长期增长，并为标本馆的研究、教育和推广创造一个优越的环境。一个完全压实的标本馆，占地面积较小，使用回收钢材和人工动力，是一种“绿色”标本馆。这一奖项提供了一个及时和相关的机会，让公众参与进来，增加对科学的欣赏，为保护生物多样性和自然资源服务。

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.