Re-wilding Beal Botanical Garden

Did you know that MSU’s Beal Botanical Garden was once called the “Wild Garden?” Originally, the garden was more natural and focused on native Michigan plant species. As we envision our future, what garden will grow to become, getting back to our roots has become a priority. Re-wilding the garden takes time. You can help us in our multi-year initiative to bring nature back to the heart of campus.

Give to Beal Botanical Garden and help re-wild the heart of campus!  

Research shows that nature is good for us, improving both our physical and mental health. Re-wilding the garden is good for the environment, too—restoring nature to the Red Cedar River and the garden by planting native plants will help make campus more sustainable. Well-being and sustainability benefits also enhance educational and research opportunities just steps away from campus classrooms.

Help us by contributing to our garden fund: 

• $25 will fund planting a native plant in the garden.
• $100 will help move one of our weed plants to a new home away from the floodplain of Red Cedar River.
• $500 will fund a half day Team Beal invasive plant removal event on the banks of the Red Cedar River or in one of our Campus Natural Areas.    

Who We Are

Established in 1873, the Beal Botanical Garden is the oldest, continuously operated university botanical garden in the United States and illuminates the interconnectedness between people, plants, and place. This living laboratory in the heart of MSU’s campus encourages learning and exploration of the natural world. With a collection of over 2,000 plants from around the world situated along the Red Cedar River, this lovely natural landscape is perfect for collaborative programming to advance research, teaching, well-being, and public engagement.

Help us celebrate decades of plants and people coming together to make this place a meaningful part of our campus by attending an event, sharing your own garden memories with us online, or visiting the garden throughout the year as each blooming season unfolds.