RADFORD – Radford University’s Greenhouse will soon reopen its doors after extensive renovations to the exterior and interior of building.

Beginning in September, fully automated controllers will operate the facility’s heaters, coolers, the amount of sunlight in the greenhouse, and air circulation. All of these variables will be controlled by greenhouse manager Darrell White and his computer. White will be able to monitor all areas of the greenhouse remotely and an alarm will be installed to call him if the facility’s settings exceed the parameters he sets.

“In the past, we have lost thousands of dollars worth of plants because heaters or coolers have failed in the middle of the night,” adds White. This alarm system will ensure that the sensitive student and faculty research conducted in the greenhouse is not destroyed.

In addition to the technology, visitors to the greenhouse will see a seemingly brand new facility with new exterior glass, benches and doors in addition to quieter fans and shade cloth to better protect sensitive plants.

(IN THE PHOTO: A new shade system is installed in the greenhouse.)

The RU Greenhouse houses exotic and domestic plants and meets the educational and research needs of the RU biology program. It also offers educational programming and tours for thousands of regional K-12 students, home-schooled children and post-secondary students throughout the year.

For more information about the Greenhouse visit its website or contact White at dwhite64@radford.edu.