Program areas at Missouri Botanical Garden Board of TRUSTEES
Horticulture: the Garden's horticulture program develops plant collections and maintains landscapes for display, home gardening demonstrations and information dissemination, and in support of research and ex-situ conservation. . The Garden's seed bank, located at shaw nature reserve, holds 35 percent of the state of Missouri's native flora. Our plant collections included 17,611 taxa and 8,923 species. The Garden's 79 acres feature indoor and outdoor plant displays that attracted 843,906 visitors in 2021. Home gardeners from around the world regularly use the Garden's on-site and digital resources. There were more than 1.5 million visitors to the gardening web resources in 2021.
Education: the Garden takes seriously its mission to share knowledge about plants and the environment with people of all ages. In 2021 196,921 people participated in educational experiences led by the Missouri Botanical Garden, from community-based projects to on-site and virtual classes and events to year-long programs and community-based projects. of this number, 14,496 were prek-grade 12 students and teachers who connected with the Garden in ways that deepened their understanding and appreciation for plants, nature, and the importance of living sustainably. In the community, the Garden is a leader in educating and activating the public to steward local lands and waters, from creating more biodiverse home landscapes to helping steward local parks, trails, creeks, streams, and other green space in their own community.
Science: the Missouri Botanical Garden is a world leader in plant discovery and plant conservation around the world. In 2021 Garden scientists once again discovered roughly 200 new plant species, which is roughly 10 percent of all new plants discovered each year worldwide. Our herbarium, with 7.5 million specimens, is among the largest and serves as a global database of plants used to make evaluations on conservation status. By knowing what plants are threatened, we can identify areas of high conservation value where protecting landscapes may save threatened species. The Garden also continues to add its tropicos database, and works with partners around the globe to digitally document all known plant life through world flora online.
Public programs: 1) public events such as the best of Missouri market. The best of Missouri market is part of the american arts experience st. louis, an annual celebration of the arts throughout the st. louis area. 2) butterfly house was established in 1995 to increase awareness of the natural habitat in which butterflies thrive. 3) facility rentals: the Missouri Botanical Garden is an ideal setting for corporate events, private parties, and weddings. The 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display provides an oasis in the city for all guests to enjoy.