Written by Robert Stilton
Photos by Sydney Kelso
It’s time for you to get some fresh air and connect with nature. Studies show non-green areas lead to higher rates of depression and illness. People are continuously spending more time inside and less time outside, which has led to worsening mental and physical health for every age range across the U.S. Going on something as small as a 20-minute walk every day is proven to have drastic benefits for your mental and physical health. It’s time you prioritize your health more. It’s time you explore the University of Idaho’s Arboretum and Botanical Garden, connect with nature, rest your body and relax your mind.
At the south end of the UI campus, across the street from the school president’s residence, is the Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This 78-acre piece of land is free to explore and the only major botanical garden in all of Idaho that focuses on cultivation of native and foreign plants and wildlife. Our current Arboretum began its cultivation in 1982 to further diversify the plants and wildlife in the rolling hills of Moscow. Currently, the arboretum hosts over 17,000 plants of 2,500 unique taxa across four distinct sections; Asia, Europe, Eastern North America and Western North America. Moreover, there is a fifth undeveloped area that will be used for future cultivation of drought-resistant plants.
The original Shattuck Arboretum is located on the slope directly beside the president’s residence and was developed in 1910. It’s mainly made up of native trees and bushes meant to beautify the campus. The Shattuck is no longer maintained due to the opening of our second, larger Arboretum, but it is still open to explore and enjoy.
Our bodies instinctively relax in calm, natural settings, allowing us to think clearly, improve creativity and sleep better.
This is something the University has understood for over 100 years now, evident by the amount of greenery put around campus which creates a stark contrast to the dull farm fields. The two arboretums are the perfect spots to get outside, not only for their ease of location but also because they have nearly three miles of trails to explore.
Spending just 20 minutes a day in one of these two beautiful nature areas on campus can do extraordinary things for both your physical and mental health. According to the National Library of Health, regular access to green spaces has been linked to reduced rates of stress, anger, depression and anxiety. Wildlife is ever-present at the arboretum, from migrating birds and moose to rodents and diverse plant species all reaching maturity at different times throughout the year. Regardless of the season, there is always something new to observe. You’ll rarely find yourself bored by the ever-changing environment here.
Make the most of what this area has to offer. The Arboretum operates solely on donations to maintain itself, meaning students don’t pay for it, and many efforts are made to keep costs as low as possible. All water used in the arboretum’s ponds and streams is reclaimed wastewater from the municipal water plant. Grass mowing is kept to a minimum and when done, clippings and trimmings are turned into mulch to fertilize the surrounding plants. Reclaimed wood chips from lumber mills and locally sourced gravel make up nearly three miles of walkable trails. A large portion of caretakers are horticultural students hired as summer work-study employees through the university.
Livening up your home is the next best step when you’re not able to consistently get yourself outside, but it is not a permanent solution. So, if you’d like to bring a small piece of the Arboretum into your home, be sure to keep an eye out for the annual plant sale and fundraiser that is held every spring. By purchasing their unique plants that are offered at fair prices, you’ll support the arboretums’ efforts for a clean and biodiverse campus.
Of anything made in Moscow, none is more unique than the Arboretum and Botanical Garden. We all need a place to rest and recharge, and this place was specifically designed for that. Give it a chance. All you need to do is prioritize yourself for just 20 minutes each day.