In September 1999, Dr. Thomas G. Lammers assumed responsibility for the collection. The herbarium is located in the basement of the Halsey Science Center, in Room 9. The facilities were thoroughly renovated during Summer and Fall 2000 and occupy approximately 3700 square feet. Visitors are welcome during normal weekday business hours. However, well over half our specimens originate from areas outside the state.
Every continent is represented, as are most major biomes and nearly every family of vascular plants.
Many of the extra-Wisconsin specimens have been obtained by trading duplicate specimens with other collectors and herbaria. Among our most significant holdings is our collection of type specimens. Types are the specimens upon which scientific names are based. When a new species is discovered, described, and named, a type specimen must be designated. It serves as a standard of reference for the correct application of that name, much as the meter stick or kilogram weight at the Bureau of Standards serve as standards of reference for units of measure.