The Missouri Botanical Garden's mission is driven by the need to protect and conserve plants and their ecosystems. Significant resources are invested in developing and sharing new discoveries in plant science and using that knowledge to help manage those ecosystems here and around the world. However, plants and their ecosystems continue to be negatively impacted by unchecked development, waste and pollution. Inspiring and educating all members of our local region about the benefits of being good environmental stewards through responsible use of natural resources and establishing sustainable communities locally is vital to achieving the Garden's mission.
Sustainable Learning
Within the St. Louis region, the Garden is currently one of a kind in educating and demonstrating sustainable life style choices - choices that minimize our current and future impact on plants, our local environment and the world at large. Innovative educational programs, services and demonstrations are currently offered by the Garden's EarthWays Center, Kemper Center for Home Gardening and the Education Division. Through engaging and empowering learning opportunities and resources for teachers and students as well as for lifelong learners, we promote sustainable human behaviors and choices related to the food we eat, the homes and buildings we construct and operate, the products we produce and consume, and the transportation methods we employ.
Sustainable Living
The Garden provides resources for advancing sustainability at home, at work and in the community. We provide a wide array of information to support energy efficiency, reducing waste, controlling storm water, improving indoor air quality and saving money. The U.S. Green Building Council - Missouri Gateway Chapter connects businesses, municipalities, educational institutions and homeowners with the resources they need to incorporate green building principles and practices into new construction and building renovation as well as facility operations and maintenance. As a member of the Deer Creek Watershed Alliance, the Garden strives to educate the community on plant-based solutions for improving water quality and managing stormwater.
Conservation in Action
The Garden strives to make the most sustainable choices possible to benefit people, plants and the planet. This is reflected in our facility operations at the main Garden as well as at our family of attractions, the Shaw Nature Reserve and the Butterfly House. In addition, the work of the Center for Conservation & Sustainable Development, the William L. Brown Center and other Garden partners apply the research findings of the Garden's scientists into strategies for sustainable development, here and around the world.