MSU’s Beal Botanical Garden Earns Rare Global Accreditation

We (Michiganders) all know that the Beal Botanical Garden on the campus of Michigan State University is downright gorgeous. But now, it's internationally recognized.

The Beal Botanical Garden at Michigan State University

Michigan State University is home to the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden, which was established in 1873. Making it "the oldest continuously operated university botanical garden in the United States".

In its over 150-year existence, the Beal Botanical Garden has been working to document, understand, and care for plant diversity while helping to make the world a better place. Now, they've earned accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International.

What the BCGI Accreditation Means

Botanic Gardens Conservation International, or BCGI, is "a UK-based membership organization representing botanic gardens in more than 100 countries around the world with the goal of linking the gardens together in a global network for plant conservation."

Get our free mobile app

By receiving this accreditation, Beal Botanical Garden is part of rarified air. There are just over 100 international botanical gardens part of this group. Not to mention, this is the only botanical garden in all of Michigan to receive this BCGI accreditation.

READ ALSO: Dawn Redwoods—Where to See This Thought-to-Be-Extinct Sequoia in Michigan

Congratulations to Beal Botanical Garden on receiving this huge honor! This is the first time in its 152-year history that the garden has received an accreditation.

If you'd like to see this garden in all its splendor, it can be found at 330 W Circle Drive on the campus on Michigan State University in East Lansing. The garden is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission is always free.