The Botany Club at California Baptist University is home to more than just plant-loving Lancers. With over 150 members meeting weekly to share their passion for plants, the club offers an abundance of community and camaraderie. From Arbor Day celebrations to community-building events, the love for plants is just the beginning of the fun.
A typical day at the Botany Club includes planning a semester’s worth of events, organizing how to host those events, bonding with CBU’s plant-loving community and going on trips together. Levi Miller, junior environmental science major and treasurer of the Botany Club, shared what he enjoys most about their weekly meetings.
“I look forward to coming up with ideas for events and creating things for the events that people will hopefully enjoy,” Miller said.
In addition to their weekly meetings, the Botany Club has blessed the CBU campus through an annual event on Arbor Day. Aria Kaiser, junior environmental science major and president of the Botany Club, explained the significance of the event.
“Arbor Day is such a great event because we get to bless our campus with trees that provide beauty and clean air, while also teaching members how to plant and care for trees,” Kaiser said. “This event is amazing for building community, getting our hands dirty, learning about the environment and blessing those around us.”
The Botany Club also hosts various events throughout the semester, such as re-potting and propagation workshops and plant care workshops. Kaiser also highlighted some of the smaller events that strengthen the community.
“We’ve done events like the Botany Boo Bash and a garden party where we can get to know our members and build an amazing community,” Kaiser said. “We also show members Lancer Farm and Garden and explain how sustainable agriculture works.”
The Botany Club is a tight-knit group, and members have expressed how content they are with the community.
Taira Hall, senior biology major and vice president of the club, has been a consistent member throughout her time at CBU. She shared the experiences and memories she has made in this welcoming community.
“As a graduating senior, I believe I am leaving the Botany Club with a greater knowledge of plants and agriculture, as well as new friendships with like-minded people,” Hall said.
Hall also shared her hopes for the future of the Botany Club after she moves on from CBU.
“I hope the passion in this club never dies. Plants are necessary for life, and it’s so important to engage students and help those who want to understand these biological processes,” Hall said. “Botany is truly a blessing to this campus, as we are teaching others about the beauty God has created and how we can care for different plant environments.”
The Botany Club is full of individuals actively making a difference on campus and openly welcoming newcomers.
For students who haven’t had the opportunity to sign up yet, the Botany Club welcomes new members year-round and meets on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.
