Integration of the Herbarium of the University of Caxias do Sul into the Environmental Education programs of the University of Caxias do Sul Felipe Gonzatti, Luciana Scur, Janete Maria Scopel

Abstract

The Herbarium of the University of Caxias do Sul is one of the largest botanical collections in the Northeast region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and represents, in its collection, mainly the flora of Campos de Cima da Serra and the middle and southern coast of RS. Among the activities carried out is participation in different research projects that involve environmental education activities, as well as in non-formal education activities developed by the Natural Sciences Museum. The Herbarium team provides extension activities through workshops, ecological trails, short courses, lectures, and organizing temporary exhibitions. All of these activities have a great impact on the training of basic education students, the training of future teachers, as well as on society in general in relation to knowledge of regional biodiversity, use and conservation of plants. As a result, awareness of the importance of plants becomes effective, and participants in the activities become disseminators of knowledge about environmental preservation.