Interested in ecology, agriculture, or sustainability? ibiblio hosts many great resources that provide information about interacting with and caring for the environment. From beekeeping to identifying flora and fauna, this list of sites is worth exploring!
If you’re interested in even more environmental resources, be sure to check out ibiblio’s agriculture, botany, and ecology tags as well!
Plant Information Center
In partnership with the UNC Herbarium, the Plant Information Center brings research materials and resources to students and interested community members. Their helpful botanical dictionary can help you find any scientific term you might need to describe a plant. In the virtual herbarium tab, you will find a glossary of the many different types of trees found in North Carolina as well as a gallery displaying images of Southeastern plants. Additionally, the site features educational resources for K-12 students with creative activities that encourage interest in botanical research!
rec.gardens.ecosystems
If you’re interested in starting your own home garden, this site is just what you need. With helpful categories like composting and plant nutrition, rec.gardens.ecosystems provides digestible information through an organic lens. This resource takes a sustainable approach to gardening, emphasizing natural practices instead of toxic substances and chemical fertilizers.
Project Gutenberg Science Bookshelves
For longer resources, Project Gutenberg has a well-rounded science collection with shelves like Ecology, Zoology, and Botany.
ibiblio Alumni
Although these sites are no longer hosted by ibiblio, they are great environmental resources!
North American Fruit Explorers
North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX) strives to encourage the study and appreciation of fruit and fruit culture. NAFEX’s members hold an annual meeting to discuss botany and educate members about gardening and seed cultivation. The association also publishes a journal, called Pomona, which ranges in content from fruiticulture studies to gardening tips. Their website features many local resources for plant nurseries across the United States.
Orange County Beekeepers Association
The Orange County Beekeepers Association is a local chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association whose goal is to raise awareness about beekeeping and proper practices through education, training and support. The OCBA website features guides on what plants are in bloom, where to find local honey products, and how to attend local educational and social events.