Using The Conservatory
Researchers
First and foremost, the Williams Conservatory is an invaluable educational asset. The research space is limited to University of Wyoming faculty, students and staff.
Request Research WorkspaceEducators
Bring your students to the conservatory! Our staff is here to help with tours and provide lessons catered to suit your class interests and needs.
Community Members
Use the Williams Conservatory to host an event, take a group tour, set up an easel and canvas, or enjoy a good book. We love sharing this space and appreciate you honoring our guidelines.
Studying, Unwinding, Exploring—Do It All!
The conservatory is a delightfully versatile space for students, educators, researchers and the public! Students can use the facility as a quiet space to study, catch up on coursework or just relax. Educators of all levels can bring their students here for hands-on learning opportunities. And, of course, plant science research opportunities are abundant. You’ll definitely want to explore one of the most beautiful and educational spaces on UW’s campus!
Education and Outreach
The mission of the Williams Conservatory, in alignment with the University of Wyoming, is to serve as a resource for higher education, promote stewardship of our vast resources and participate in community development. Education and outreach are two guiding forces that help us achieve that mission.
Education
In order to serve our community and inspire the next generation of botanists, we invite public school teachers and homeschooling groups to use our facility for educational purposes. Our team offers free and engaging tours with lessons on various plant science topics. The goal is to make these visits as beneficial for the class as possible so we customize these lessons to meet the specific needs of each class. Time to plan your next field trip!
Outreach
Throughout the year, we host a variety of outreach education activities for plant enthusiasts of all ages. We cover topics like plant care, propagation, supporting pollinators, identifying plant problems and more! These events will be advertised through our social media accounts; follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X to stay informed!
Visit Us!
We are open Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Special arrangements can be made upon request.
Admission is always FREE to the Williams Conservatory!
Find us near the intersection of 9th St. and University Ave. west of Old Main.
Free street parking can be found along 9th Street or search our paid locations.
Support the Williams Conservatory
The Williams Conservatory is a priceless resource for the University of Wyoming, local schools and the Laramie community. We offer educational tours, hands-on experiences and a peaceful space for people to connect with nature. Our unique plant collections provide research and insights into plant science not typically found in Wyoming. Your donations help sustain this vital work.
Interested in donating your time?
We welcome volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re interested in gardening, event planning, or educational outreach, there are plenty of ways to contribute!
The Best Kept Secret On Campus
We’re a bit like UW’s very own “Secret Garden.” Except… we want to share this incredible gem with as many visitors as we can! The conservatory houses hundreds of plants from all over the globe, including some incredibly rare gems like the Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) and two infamous Corpse Flower plants (Amorphophallus titanum). Come explore and relax in this special UW oasis.
The Williams Conservatory research space is available for UW students, staff and faculty. We are a proud division of the UW Department of Botany and our unique space allows us to continue to be a leader in our field.
Whether you’re looking for a serene setting to unwind or are deeply interested in botany—or even a bit of both—the Williams Conservatory is the place to be!
Since 1994, the Williams Conservatory has been a fixture at UW fostering an appreciation for botany and all things plant science. Our collection continues to grow and expand each year.
The Williams Conservatory’s namesake, Louis and Terua Williams, met in Jackson Hole, WY. Louis earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from UW and the couple generously supported the UW Department of Botany for many years.
Keep up to date with all the latest botanical happenings! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X for everything from plant sales and swaps to plant science fun facts.
Stay In The Know!