Native Plant Outdoor Laboratory
Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri
Top image: click arrows
to see additional photos.
Photos: Nadia Navarrete-Tindall
and Sue Bartelette
Size: 1/2 acre
Year established: 2010
Year inducted: 2021
Category: Professionally managed with volunteer assistance
Entrance Fee: None
Description: This highly utilized campus garden showcases a great diversity of native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs, trees, and vines. More than 100 species can be seen in this garden that is approximately a half-acre, divided into seven beds of different sizes. The garden was first established in 2010 and continues to be expanded and enhanced.
This planting emphasizes the ecological function as well as the beauty of the gardens. The name—Native Plant Outdoor Laboratory—says it all, as it is used for education by students and staff at Lincoln University and the public at large. This garden, as well as other demonstration areas on campus, is utilized for workshops to train farmers or producers about the best plants for pollinators. Growing natives as crops is also an important topic covered. Numerous groups have enjoyed touring the planting including Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, garden clubs, youth groups, staff from state and federal institutions, and local residents (many of whom had never been to Lincoln University before). This garden is highlighted during various events such as Dining Wild, which attracts people from across Missouri.
The garden is maintained throughout the year as needed. In winter, herbaceous dead stems (grasses and forbs) are left standing to offer food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and occasional mammals.
In the spring, when the temperature is 50℉ or higher, dead material is gradually clipped. Some new seedlings are removed to reduce plant density and are donated to volunteers or used to establish new gardens. Shrubs, as well as some wildflowers such as aromatic aster, are pruned and thinned as needed to maintain the landscape’s tidy appearance.
In the summer, any invasive species that appear (non-native grasses, bush honeysuckle, callery pear, Russian elm, and others) are controlled by hand. Chemical herbicides are applied only on shrub honeysuckle and other resilient invasive shrubs.
In the fall, stems of native plants are pruned in more visible areas to maintain an attractive appearance, especially in the understory of two mature persimmon trees by the front entrance of Allen Hall. At this time of the year, debris is saved and moved to other areas to protect potential pollinator habitat.
Also of note, in 2017 the active maintenance of this garden was put on hold until 2020. Maintenance was then resumed and it was discovered that the majority of native plants had survived mowing and minimal maintenance. This illustrates the resiliency of native landscapes.
What Makes this Garden Excellent:
The Native Plant Outdoor Laboratory is an important teaching tool at an academic institution. Not only does the garden highlight native plants, but it is also used for the study of associated wildlife such as pollinators and birds. In addition, Lincoln University is a HBCU (Historically Black College University) and this lab offers opportunities for international students, faculty, and staff to learn about native Missouri pollinators and plants in an accessible setting. The garden is located between Allen Hall and Foster Hall, which house Cooperative Extension and Cooperative Research staff, respectively, giving these educators the opportunity to use it to develop their own programs.
Ten Great Native Plants to See Here:
Asarum canadense (wild ginger)
Asclepias incarnata (swamp/marsh milkweed)
Carex muskingumensis (palm sedge)
Diospyros virginiana (persimmon)
Eryngium yuccifolium (rattlesnake master)
Euonymus atropurpureus (wahoo)
Hibiscus lasiocarpos (rose mallow)
Penstemon digitalis (foxglove beardtongue)
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)
Stylophorum diphyllum (celandine poppy)
Signage: Many of the individual species are identified with plant tags. Additionally, an online guide (see “For More Information” section below) provides excellent information about the garden.
Accessibility: The gardens are fully accessible to physically challenged visitors. Several designated handicapped parking spots are available in both the north and south parking lots near the garden.
Location:
900 Chestnut Street
(Between Allen and Foster Halls)
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, Missouri
Coordinates:
38°33’49.0″N 92°10’11.6″W
38.563605, -92.169896
For More Information:
Contact person: Nadia Navarrete-Tindall
Navarrete-TindallN@LincolnU.edu