As always, the health and safety of our guests, staff and volunteers is our highest priority, and rest assured, Ball State University and the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse are closely monitoring developments surrounding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Rinard Orchid Greenhouse is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and in addition to routine cleaning, is taking extra preventive measures by having restrooms, building entrances, and other high-traffic areas disinfected regularly with a hospital-grade cleanser. We have ample supplies of cleaning products, and continue to reinforce proper hand washing practices and healthy habits among our staff and volunteers. Employees or volunteers who suspect they are ill are required to stay home until fully recovered.
As an outdoor oasis of beauty, peace and tranquility during these stressful times, the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse and Christy Woods will remain open. We ask, however, that if you are ill or have recently traveled to areas experiencing widespread transmission that you postpone your visit to another time.
Out of an abundance of concern for the well-being of our guests and community, and in keeping with CDC guidance on social distancing, we are canceling or postponing this spring’s assembled group activities, including:
- Artists’ Reception “Inspired by Orchids Spring Show” April 3, canceled. Artist show will be available for small group viewing from April 3 – 30.
- Guided Meditation, April 7, canceled. The Greenhouse will remain open, and guided meditation will return to our schedule for Fall Semester.
- All About Pollinators, April 11, canceled.
- Annual Friends of the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse Showcase, April 8, canceled. We deeply regret this cancellation, as we have wonderful news to share about our Expansion! Please refer to www.bsu.edu/orchids “Showcase” for an online version of the program.
At this time, we are still planning to hold our
Friends of the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse Annual Fundraiser/Plant Sale, Saturday, April 25. Most of this event is held outdoors, and precautions will be in place for limited group sizes and social distancing.
Remember to join us in virtual support on
OneBallStateDay, April 7, and add your support for the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse Expansion project via Fund #919
We will update
www.bsu.edu/orchids with the latest information as necessary and appreciate your understanding and patience during this time of uncertainty.
Best regards,
Cheryl LeBlanc,
Curator, Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse
Ball State University