The Knock Hollow Conservation Center is a small, community-focused botanical research and preservation project located on a dormant volcanic island, famous for its unique caldera known locally as "Knock Hollow." This island is home to a remarkable array of rare and endemic plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The island's unique topography and climate create microhabitats that support these extraordinary plants, making it a vital area for both botanical study and conservation efforts. The answer to why the island is home to such a dizzying array of unique plants remains a mystery. It is believed that it has somehow remained isolated from any of earths primary land masses (cratons) over the planets many millions of years of history. One particularly notable discovery is that the island is home to the only known biolunimescent plants on earth, of which over 20 different species have been discovered on the island to date. The center's primary mission is to protect, research, and preserve these irreplaceable natural treasures, which are crucial to understanding biodiversity and the resilience of ecosystems in isolated environments.

The center was founded in 1997, funded by private donations as well as a generous grant from Genova Biosciences, and was named after the caldera in which the facility is located. Over the years, the center has grown to include a small but state-of-the-art research facility, seed banks, and extensive collections of plant specimens. We collaborate with international conservation groups, universities, and the local community to promote sustainable land management and to protect and preserve the island’s flora.