Welcome to BRIT

Welcome To BRIT

Plant to planet.®

Ever have a desire to discover? Ever have a desire to teach others what you've learned? We do - every day. By nature, that’s who we are. We’re the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, an international scientific research and learning center focused on conservation and knowledge sharing.

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Upcoming Events

Permaculture 101

As a community leader in plant based knowledge and education, BRIT is pleased to partner with experts in the fields of botany, biodiversity, conservation, sustainability and education to provide the public with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the plant world through a variety of classes and workshops. 

These half and full day classes and workshops will take place both on the BRIT campus, 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, TX  76107, and in the field. Please check the individual event announcements for further details.

 

Upcoming Events
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Urban Gardening: Permaculture for Small Spaces

Seed Starting 101
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Recent Articles

The Legacy of Alexander von Humboldt

by Alyssa B. Young
How much do you know about Alexander von Humboldt, one of the most influential naturalists in history? More species and plants are named after him than after any other human being, but in the last 150 years he's been nearly forgotten. Let's change that.
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The New Zealand Kauri

by Haley Rylander
The New Zealand Kauri – Agathis australis – is a truly magnificent tree, revered in New Zealand by the native Maori and Europeans alike. The Kauri’s ancestors lived over 130 million years ago – making it one of the most ancient trees in the world! And the gargantuan trees can reach heights of over 160 feet tall and a diameter of over 66 feet across. The ancient Maori (native people of New Zealand) used Kauri wood to build boats, make carvings, weapons, and jewelry, and to build houses and public structures. The gum was used for many purposes as well, and the felling of one of these magnificent giants was usually accompanied by rituals. Having lived in New Zealand briefly, I was thrilled to discover that BRIT’s own herbarium has a specimen of one of these amazing trees! The specimen was col...
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The Unusual Binding of “Flora Sibirica”

by Alyssa B. Young
As you look through the shelves in our rare book room, you see rows and rows of beautifully-bound books. They have bindings of leather and vellum, ornate embossed and gilded decorations on the covers and spines. Two volumes stand out: Flora Sibirca.
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Botanical Specimens with a Mysterious Past!

by Tiana Franklin Rehman
“Wow!” is the most frequent comment from visitors viewing the two oldest plant specimens in the BRIT Herbarium, both of which were collected by Dr. Thaddeus Haenke in 1791.
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Alexander von Humboldt and the Scientific Discovery of America

by Alyssa B. Young
The work of one of the most important scientific explorers you've never heard of.
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About BRIT

Become A Member

Make the world better with BRIT! Help us to inspire people, conserve native plants, and document biodiversity to protect rare and endemic plants.
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The Living Roof

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Campus Tours

Learn about BRIT's history, collections, and programs. Public and private tours available!

Hours and Location

Closed on Mondays. The building is open to visitors 10am - 4pm, Tuesday - Friday and most Saturday mornings (February through November). The BRIT Libraries and Herbarium are open for public use by appointment.

Rent Our Space

Stunning architecture, floor to ceilings windows, and message of sustainability make BRIT a unique place for any event.
News
International Award of Excellence in Conservation Gala
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