A greenhouse is part of the Indianapolis campus skyline. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana UniversityA greenhouse sits atop the Science Building on the Indiana University campus in Indianapolis, dotting the skyline. But in many ways, it is a hidden gem.

Forrest Brem, chair of the Department of Biology Greenhouse Committee and faculty advisor to the student Biology Club, is excited to change that.

One of his first actions as chair was to create a proposal process so students could apply for greenhouse space to do research, which Gabe Filippelli’s and Greg Druschel’s students did last semester.

“We also partner with the Department of Earth Sciences, whose students do capstone research in the greenhouse,” Brem said. “And in 2022 we began partnering with the Office of Sustainability to germinate seeds for the urban gardens on campus, which saved them a lot of money and provided the gardens with some amazing plants.”

The Biology Club is the most active group in the greenhouse.

Tristan Pickering, right, supervises in the greenhouse during a Biology Club volunteer event. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University“Volunteering in the greenhouse is a big part of my role,” said Tristan Pickering, a senior majoring in biology who is the club’s greenhouse coordinator. “The greenhouse is like my office, which is really fun.

“I came in with very minimal plant knowledge, other than the basics of giving them water and light. I’m thankful to Dr. Brem, who is very involved with the club, for teaching me a lot about plants.”

Members do more than tend to their green thumbs. The club hosts campus plant sales and organizes activities for students, like a kayaking trip on the White River.

“We make plants accessible and sell them for much less than you would pay at retail shops — even at a big-box store,” Brem said. “The greenhouse and the club also provide students with opportunities to get off their phones and devices. Horticultural therapy can reduce stress and help mental health.”

New in 2024, the Biology Club will support students through scholarships funded by plant sale proceeds. One $1,000 scholarship and two $500 scholarships will be awarded. Active club members can apply beginning April 1. For information about eligibility or other questions, contact Biology Club President Rose Buch at rbuch@iu.edu.

Plants are grown and seeds are germinated in the greenhouse on the Indianapolis campus. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityThe club’s acts of service extend beyond campus. Last year it donated begonias to Ronald McDonald House; soil, pots and plants to Coburn Place; and vegetables and perennials to Harrison Hill Elementary School.

“It’s so rewarding; it keeps me going,” Brem said. “If you can connect people to the natural world and teach them how to be nurturing to nature, that can have lifelong, generational effects.”

Those initiatives barely scratch the surface of Brem’s vision for utilizing the greenhouse to serve the campus, and greater central Indiana, community.

“I’m really trying to increase the greenhouse’s visibility and use,” he said. “I’d love to get ideas about how we could create more formal partnerships.”

Pickering wants students to know the Biology Club is not just for those majoring in or focused on science.

“The club is definitely for everybody. Our current president is a finance and accounting major,” he said. “And you can be as involved as you want or can be.”

Biology Club members work with volunteers in the campus greenhouse. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

Club leaders are also available to speak to classes and groups, no matter the department or discipline. Faculty and staff who are interested in hosting a presentation can contact Buch.

Those interested in possible greenhouse collaborations can contact Brem at fbrem@iu.edu.

Tia Broz is a communications consultant in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.