The Norfolk State University Greenhouse supports the educational and research missions of the Department of Biology and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. The greenhouse is maintained by Dr. Stephen Via of the Department of Biology, in collaboration with other Biology faculty, NSU Facilities Management and Mr. Tori Ward, NSU's Director Grounds.
The greenhouse collection includes a wide variety of plants from across the globe and from widely varying taxonomic clades. Custom built tidal flux beds enable many wetland native plants to be grown under conditions reflecting our most sensitive habitats and our multizone
irrigation system enables orchids, succulents, and fruit trees to be grown side by side. All plants are available for students to observe as they come to appreciate the diversity of plant life and the traits they display. Courses which currently make use of greenhouse materials include Botany (BIO 261), Plant Physiology (BIO 461), Ecology (BIO 271), General Biology (BIO 111), Biological Sciences (BIO 100), and Biostatistics (BIO 495).
Current research and outreach projects in the greenhouse are focused in the following areas:
- Plant production for wetland restoration
- Orchid propagation and culture
- Effects of coal tar creosote on native plant seed germination
- Native carnivorous plant culture
- Community gardens and food insecurity
These diverse projects are supported by grants from the Virginia Natural Gas, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, Virginia Sea Grant, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Contact the Greenhouse Manager:
Dr. Stephen Via, Department of Biology
smvia@nsu.edu, 757-823-0006