Stoffer Hall Native Garden - Washburn University

A living classroom at Washburn

Native plants, pollinator habitats, and hands-on learning opportunities in the heart of campus

Exhibiting over a hundred plant species native to northeast Kansas, the garden provides a valuable resource for learning about native biodiversity. The garden expands on the biology department's existing natural history collection which includes an herbarium featuring approximately 12,500 specimens.

Why the garden matters

Sustainability

The space highlights sustainability efforts including NexTrex benches earned by the EcoBods Club for collecting plastic bags and films for recycling into outdoor furniture and decking.

Pollinator habitat

With less than 4% of native tallgrass prairie remaining, urban native plantings provide valuable refuges for our pollinators.

Student learning

The garden serves as an educational tool for biology courses while providing opportunities for student research and collaborations across campus.

Campus wellness

Provides a 4,500 square foot sanctuary to immerse yourself in nature, right outside of Stoffer Hall.

110

Native species

Plant list

1,600+

Volunteer hours

By students, faculty, staff and community members

225

Feet of accessible pathway

How can I get involved?

Student opportunities for learning beyond the classroom

Research projects
Biology and environmental science coursework
Volunteer opportunities
Sustainability initiatives
Service learning

Volunteer interest form

WTE projects

See the native garden on Washburn's campus

The Stoffer Hall native garden is located on the south side of Stoffer Hall and runs from the Ross Johnson Greenhouse to the southeast corner of the building.

Google map location

Campus map