Plant & Soil Science Club

The Plant and Soil Science Club is open to anyone interested in plants and/or soils. You do not have to be enrolled in a specific major or department to be a member of this club you just have to enjoy working with plants and soils. The club participates in numerous activities including: providing information on internships, taking field trips, bringing in guest speakers, and hearing from prospective employers to learn about careers in the field.  The Club typically meets twice a month. Meetings are announced through email and flyers in the Ag Science Building and at previous meetings.

 For more information about the plant and soils science club, please contact Professor Bob Tripepi, the club advisor, at: btripepi@uidaho.edu or 208/885-6635.

Club Activities

Field Trips

In the past, the club has traveled to Northern Idaho and Toured Hughes Rose Greenhouse, Jacklin Seed Company, BLM/EPA superfund site in Smelterville, the U of I Research and Extension Center in Sandpoint and Green Tree Organic Farm. The club has also traveled to Southern Idaho and West to Seattle and Portland. There have been club trips to Victoria, BC to tour the Buechart Gardens and the City of Victoria.

Fund Raisers

During the fall semester, the club raises poinsettias for sale during the holiday season.  Last year we also sold plants at the annual U of I Ag days. During the spring semester, the club raised a variety of bedding plants, houseplants and hanging plants for a spring plant sale. These successful club fundraisers make the field trips and club activities possible!

Community Projects

The club is involved in a project with the Nature Conservancy-Garden Creek Ranch. The ranch is located on the Snake River near the corner of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The club volunteers their time and effort to upkeep the 150-tree orchard. In the fall, members travel to the ranch for a weekend and pick apples and pears, which are brought back to sell at the university. In the spring, the club returns to the garden creek ranch to prune and maintain the fruit trees.

Guest Speakers

The club invites guest speakers from area businesses and professions to come speak to the members about opportunities in the field of study. This is a great chance to meet potential employers and gain useful information. Also, students share their experiences and give advice about internships and the process of finding and applying for them.