Michigan State University

William J. Beal established Beal Botanical Garden in 1873 when he planted about 140 species in the area now known as Sleepy Hollow. The following year he began planting the first arboretum on campus. Together these seminal efforts represent the beginnings of Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum (BBGCA). The original plantings in the garden were used for teaching botany students—placing education at the heart of the program from its inception. Beal’s focus on hands-on learning and his renowned research program added student and faculty research to the legacy of the garden. Since then, Beal Botanical Garden has expanded to over seven acres, including Sleepy Hollow and a larger area bounded by the Red Cedar River, the Main Library, and IM Circle. The garden is on the State of Michigan Register of Historic Sites and is treasured by many students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus visitors. The interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary focus of the garden also sets BBGCA apart. Situated in the Provost’s Office, BBGCA is positioned to contribute to outreach, teaching, and research across the university. 

Michigan State University is the nation’s premier land-grant university and one of the top research universities in the world. With over 51,000 students and 5,700 faculty and staff, Beal’s primary audience consists of the MSU campus. The garden is also open 24/7, year-round with free admission and is regularly visited by the Greater Lansing Community and visitors to the area.