Missouri Botanical Garden  
 
 

Visit our family of attractions:

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Shaw Nature Reserve

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Butterfly House

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EarthWays Center

President's Message
Dr. Peter H. Raven

Plants form the basis of life. Through the extraordinary process of photosynthesis, the abundant flow of energy from the sun is converted into the foundational needs of human existence—food, clothing, shelter, fuel, perfume, beauty, medicine, and not to be forgotten, oxygen.

By the end of the century, because of deforestation, degradation, and global warming, fully half of the world’s estimated 300,000 species of plants could be extinct in nature. At the Missouri Botanical Garden, we are striving for a world that can sustain us without sacrificing prosperity for future generations, a world where all people share a commitment to manage biological diversity for our common benefit.

In addition to being one of the world’s great museums of plants, the Garden works to conserve plants in the wild as well. Garden scientists discover and document plants—and empower local communities to protect their natural resources.

The Garden has a multifaceted approach to conservation:

Garden scientists are working urgently in 36 nations around the globe to explore and document tropical flora, which is area of highest biodiversity, and also at greatest risk. The Garden’s William L. Brown Center focuses on preserving useful plants and traditional knowledge about their use.

The Garden’s Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development champions community-based conservation efforts, so that populations in areas where we work are empowered to help protect their natural resources.

Garden educators work locally to instill in children a love of nature that will translate into concerned adults. Our latest exhibit combines fun with learning and provides great inspiration to our future botanists and environmentalists.

You can support our conservation and education efforts by becoming a member today! Your membership helps fund conservation and education programs in 36 countries around the globe, as well as the 79 acres of beauty here in St. Louis.

Wishing you an enjoyable visit,

Dr. Peter Raven
Dr. Peter H. Raven
President