Mission Statement & Statement of Purpose

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY HERBARIUM

MISSION STATEMENT

“To increase our knowledge of the plant life of Kentucky, the Southeastern United States, and the Eastern United States by collecting, preserving, researching, and exhibiting botanical specimens.”

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Eastern Kentucky University Herbarium exists for these purposes: to increase our knowledge of the plant life of Kentucky, the Southeastern United States, and the Eastern United States by collecting, preserving, researching, and exhibiting botanical specimens.

The Herbarium’s specific areas of interest comprise the vascular and nonvascular plants of, in order of priority, Kentucky, the Southeastern United States, and the Eastern United States.  Continental areas bordering the Eastern United States and other geographic areas of research interest to the curators are included within the Herbarium’s scope insofar as they contribute significant comparative materials.

The communities served by the Herbarium include the University community of which it administratively a part, the citizens of Kentucky, and the national and international community of students and scholars.

To achieve its purposes, the EKU Herbarium: Accepts and preserves collections of bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms from the targeted geographic areas; Undertakes scientific research purposes related to the collections; Offers access and information to interested members of the community.