The new year often inspires a fresh start for many of us. Whether you want to lose weight, de-stress, or learn something new, the Missouri Botanical Garden and its campuses offer plenty of creative ways to help you tackle your new year’s resolution.
Take a Hike
If your ultimate goal is to shed a few pounds, this will help you get there. Shaw Nature Reserve offers 17 miles of trails to help get you moving in the new year. Set your own pace as you stroll from woodland to wetland across the reserve’s many native habitats. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, consider taking part in one of the weekly trail runs.
Keep an eye out for running events at each of our campuses this spring.
- Photo: Elizabeth Harris
Plant a Vegetable Garden
Eating healthy is another way to help whittle down your waistline. And if you’re going to add more fruit and vegetables to your diet, why not eat something you grew yourself? Winter is a great time to plan ahead for the spring and summer growing seasons. If you’re not sure where to start, staff at the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening can answer your questions.
Read more: Grow Your Own Salsa Garden.
- Photo: Tom Incrocci
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
This resolution is good for the earth, and could be good for your wallet too! Create a home compost pile, or look for ways to recycle more of your waste. Making your home more energy efficient can help lower your utility bills. The Earthways Center’s Green Resources Answer Service can get you started on the path to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Another way to cut your carbon footprint is by cutting back on the meat in your diet.
Take a Break
Sometimes the best medicine is a little mindfulness. Give yourself a mental breather by taking a relaxing stroll through the Japanese Garden, or enjoy a few moments of peaceful solitude on a bench in the English Woodland Garden. A short pause for personal reflection could give you new strength to tackle the challenges in your life.
- Photo: Karen Fletcher
Learn a Skill
Become a better you by adding a new skill to your repertoire. Whether it’s cooking or crafting, planting or painting, the Garden offers a wide range of classes. Find the right fit for you, and have fun expanding your skill set! (If you received a Garden gift card for Christmas, this is a great way to put that present to work).
- Photo: Yihuang Lu
Discover Something New
Plan a visit to the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum. The newly renovated historic space features rotating exhibits showcasing the connections between people and plants. You can also follow the Museum on Twitter to get updates on new exhibits and other interesting stories.
Help Protect Pollinators
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House protects pollinators and educates the public about their benefits. You can join in those efforts in your own backyard by bringing pollinators to your garden.
- Photo: Suzann Gille
Cassidy Moody – Digital Media Specialist