The Horticulture Research Station, located north of Ames, is home to many different research, demonstration, and teaching projects. On average, there are more than 90 projects housed annually with more than 27 faculty members involved. The station is comprised of 235 acres of land, a 15-acre lake, multiple research buildings, and an extensive irrigation system. The Horticulture Research Station is managed by the ISU Research and Demonstration Farms and is utilized mainly by the ISU Department of Horticulture.
Location and Hours:
Location: 55519 170th St. Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 232-4786
Size: 235 acres
Owner: Iowa State University
Hours: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm M-F
Tours of the station are always welcome but should be scheduled in advance.
For more information about the station, please contact the farm superintendent, Nick Howell.
Nick Howell
(515) 232-4786
History:
The Horticulture Research Station was moved to its current site in 1967 and has been active at Iowa State ever since. A majority of the buildings located at the Horticulture Research Station were built between 1970 and 1972. Many of the initially established apple orchards are still used today.
Facilities:
Site selection of the 235 acres consists of Clarion, Nicollet, Webster, and Storden soil series with a nearly level to moderate slope. The 15-acre lake provides a source of irrigation water for the whole station as well as a home to a diverse amount of animals wild life. Buildings at the station include offices, a classroom with teaching facilities, an apple sorting room, and cold and hot storage.
Research and Projects:
Research projects from a wide range of disciplines are all held at the station. Scientists from horticulture, ecology, plant pathology, entomology and natural resources are all active at the Horticulture Research Station. Research of horticulture crops includes apples, strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, melons, in addition to research on cover crops, ornamental shrubs, turfgrass, shade trees, flowering crabapple trees, and hydrangeas. There are many other unique projects located at the Horticulture Research Station including aquatic research, turtle research, prairie restoration, tree swallow research, and apiology. In addition to research studies, there are undergrad student projects ranging from the Good Earth Student Farm to production and research internships.
Events:
The Horticulture Research Station hosts educational farm field days throughout the year that are open to the public. Field days consist of tours of research and demonstration plots. Please see the following links for more information about other ISU Research and Demonstration Farms and all ISU Farm Field Days.
ISU Research and Demonstration Farms
ISU Farm Field Days
For more information:
ISU Horticulture Research Station
Horticulture Research Station Progress Reports
Horticulture Research Station Facebook Page