The Center for Plant Science Innovation and Department of Agronomy and Horticulture are hosting events May 18 to celebrate the fourth international Fascination of Plants Day.

The goal of the day is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture, in sustainability producing food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and all of the non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.

The free public events are from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Beadle Center atrium. Events include:

• Venus fly trap feedings;

• Touch plant giveaway;

• Hops research;

• Soybean-based feedstocks for aquaculture;

• How roots sense gravity; and

• Who is George Beadle and why did he win the Nobel Prize?

There will be a tour of the Arboretum at 5 p.m. at the Earl G. Maxwell Arboretum. Those attending the tour are to meet at the Gazebo located one block east of the Dairy Store on the East Campus Loop.