Discover + Share is a blog by the Missouri Botanical Garden designed to educate and inspire the public with the work being done at the Garden on a local and global scale.
The Discover + Share blog offers a variety of resources for those interested in botanical science, conservation, sustainability, ecological restoration, home gardening, entomology, and more.
You can also find visitor guides to our three public locations: The Missouri Botanical Garden, The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, and Shaw Nature Reserve; as well as our signature events and exhibitions.
The Missouri Botanical Garden
“To discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life.” – Missouri Botanical Garden mission
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark.
The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw’s original 1850 estate home, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids.
For over 158 years, the Garden has been an oasis in the city, a place of beauty and family fun—and also a center for education, science, and conservation.
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
“To foster a greater understanding of plant and animal relationships in the environment in order to promote the conservation and restoration of natural habitats. – Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House mission
The Butterfly House opened its doors to the public on September 18, 1998, and provides educational opportunities to a diverse visitorship. In 2000 the outdoor area known as the Butterfly Garden was dedicated. The Butterfly House offers education programs, special events, lectures and, of course, the chance to witness butterflies in two habitats, one native and one tropical.
In July, 2001, the Butterfly House became a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, a leader in horticultural displays, research and education.
The following year, 2002, the second expansion of the facility opened and was designated the “Emerson Lakeside Terrace”. This plaza area is the site for many special events, both public and private. That same year, the Butterfly House began participating with Butterfly Conservation Initiative, BFCI, of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
In 2003, the Butterfly House became the first dedicated insect facility to be accredited by the AZA.
Shaw Nature Reserve
To inspire stewardship of our environment through education, restoration and protection of natural habitats, and public enjoyment of the natural world.” – mission of Shaw Nature Reserve
St. Louis is one of very few metropolitan regions that can boast of a 2,441-acre natural asset such as Shaw Nature Reserve so near its city-based parent organization, the world-famous Missouri Botanical Garden. This proximity allows easy access for children and adults alike to not only experience the natural beauty of our region but also to learn sound environmental stewardship through the Reserve’s numerous educational programs.
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s land purchase in 1925 began the legacy of Shaw Nature Reserve. Originally set up as a safe refuge for the plant collection from the smoke pollution of the 1920’s, its role in the community has evolved through the years.
Shaw Nature Reserve has many roles—as a nature reserve, a place to walk and hike, and a good spot for relaxing and for studying nature. It has become a premier educational, research and habitat restoration and reconstruction site.