Research
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum were written into the University's 1817 Charter in order to provide "living museums" for generations of researchers and patrons alike. Nichols Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens are both products of glacial movement dating back 18,000 years; providing a unique topography to both study and host plant life. MBGNA provides facilities, services, and support for research projects in both greenhouse and field settings.

The University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History offers a place to appreciate and study the dynamic and evolving natural world. The museum encourages research as well as hosts exhibits in areas such as prehistoric life, Michigan wildlife, Native American culture, anthropology, geology, and astronomy (Planetarium).

The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology houses 15 million specimens of zoological and botanical significance which may be used for research and education benefiting science, society, and the University of Michigan. The museum also maintains the Edwin S. George Reserve (see link below), which has been used as a biological research station since 1930, and shares use of the Genomic Diversity Laboratory with other U-M departments.

The University of Michigan Herbarium, a National Resource Collection, is ranked seventh in the U.S. in total holdings (1.7 million specimens). The collection is available to U-M, national, and international researchers for the study of plants, fungi, and their roles in evolutionary biology.

The Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratories (MHL) are a combination of both indoor and full scale experimental facilities. MHL works collaboratively with a wide variety of programs across the University and the Great Lakes Basin. MHL operates two underwater remote operated vehicles (ROV’s), a coastal survey vessel (Blue Traveler) and a wide variety of wave, current and environmental monitoring equipment and buoys. MHL's most recent effort is the creation of the Grand Traverse Bay Observing System.

The Environmental and Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (EAST) was founded in 2000 with the mission of 1) developing and communicating knowledge regarding the environmental impact of engineering decisions (finding problems) and 2) developing appropriate technologies to mitigate the environmental impacts of engineering design and manufacturing activities (finding solutions). The specific areas of expertise for the EASTlab are in product design for the environment, pollution prevention in manufacturing systems, and the development of policies and business models that facilitate market acceptance of sustainable design approaches.

Field Stations
The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) in northern lower Michigan is one of the best-equipped inland field stations in the world. UMBS offers courses and research in field biology and related environmental sciences during the spring and summer terms.

The Camp Davis Field Station in Jackson, Wyoming offers courses in geology, environmental science and the humanities during the summer term. Camp Davis’ prime location within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and nearby Grand Teton National Park provides a wealth of instructional opportunities.

Since 1930, the Edwin S. George Reserve (ESGR) has provided a location for research and education opportunities in the natural sciences and for the preservation of native flora and fauna. ESGR is location on a 525-hectare, fenced preserve in Livingston County, Michigan (approximately 25km northwest of Ann Arbor) and boasts a rich history of long- and short-term biological research studies.



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