Press to Preserve

Join us at the library to learn about and press local native plants with the University of Arkansas Herbarium!

This year, UARK is celebrating its 150th anniversary! Join us in celebrating at the Fayetteville Public Library, where you will learn more about what our local herbarium does, volunteer opportunities, and even learn how to make pressed plant specimens of your own!

Herbaria are archives of preserved plant specimens that hold records of Earth’s biodiversity collected over centuries. They allow us to track how plant communities have changed over time and even how habitat quality has changed. For some species that have become extinct, herbarium specimens are our only connection to what they looked like and where they once existed. Fayetteville is home to the state’s largest and oldest herbarium, the University of Arkansas Herbarium (UARK). UARK currently holds about 140,000 specimens, a number that is constantly increasing as botanists continue to document biodiversity. Beyond scientific research, our collections have also inspired students and professors in numerous other disciplines, in addition to members of the public of all ages—for example, UARK has ongoing collaborations with local artists, historians, and anthropologists who are interested in the artistic beauty and cultural significance of our collections!

All abilities are welcome. For disability accommodations, call 479.856.7250 or email questions@faylib.org 2-3 weekdays before a program. Plan your visit by viewing our building map and details on accessibility services.

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