The first Earth Day in 1970 was a landmark event in American history, galvanizing a movement to protect the environment. Over the years, Earth Day has continued to be an important reminder of our responsibility to care for our planet.
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, but at the Missouri Botanical Garden, every day is Earth Day. The Garden's mission is to "discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life." This mission is carried out through a variety of educational programs and conservation efforts.
The Garden's educational programs include classes for students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. These classes cover a wide range of topics, from gardening and botany to conservation and sustainability. In addition, the Garden hosts events throughout the year that promote environmental awareness and stewardship, such as the annual Green Living Festival.
Conservation is a major focus of the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Garden is home to one of the largest herbarium collections in the world, with over 7.6 million specimens. These specimens provide a valuable resource for scientists studying plant biodiversity and conservation.
The Garden is also involved in conservation efforts around the world. Through partnerships with organizations in countries such as Madagascar and Peru, the Garden is working to protect endangered plant species and their habitats.
In addition to its conservation efforts, the Garden is also committed to sustainability. The Garden's Green Team works to reduce the Garden's environmental impact through initiatives such as composting, recycling, and energy conservation.
The Missouri Botanical Garden's commitment to environmental education and conservation makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the environment and how we can protect it. By celebrating Earth Day every day, the Garden is helping to create a more sustainable future for us all.
If you are looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day this year, the Missouri Botanical Garden will be appearing at several Earth Month events around the St. Louis region. Whether you are a long-time environmental advocate or just starting to learn about the importance of sustainability, the Missouri Botanical Garden's Earth Month events offer something for everyone. Come celebrate with us and learn how you can make a difference in protecting our planet.
EarthWays Center staff will be appearing at the following remaining Earth Day events:
St. Louis Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 22 and Sunday April 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
FREE – Hosted by earthday365
Muny Grounds in Forest Park
Table Y-1 in the Youth and Family Corner
Partners for Native Landscaping Native Plant Fair
Saturday April 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FREE - hosted by Beyond Housing
6506 Wright Way STL 63136
Stick a Fork in Food Waste
Various dates and times during the month of April
FREE – hosted by St. Charles City-County Library
Various branches
View dates and times here