The Transformative Power of Student-Led Natural History Collections Clubs

Abstract

Many colleges and universities maintain herbaria or natural history collections. Natural History Collections Clubs (NHCCs) are registered student organizations (RSOs) capable of improving conditions in these collections, many of which are threatened by a lack of funding, minimal curatorial staff, and inadequate institutional support. Student involvement through NHCCs can improve conditions in collections at academic institutions by providing volunteers, promoting outreach, increasing funding, and generating enthusiasm in administration, students, and the community. In this paper, we explain the need for such organizations, outline the process of establishing an NHCC, and provide case studies from successful organizations. We also describe a developing network for NHCCs and summarize what has been accomplished by these organizations to date.