Studies have shown that being in nature is highly beneficial for humans in almost every aspect. Just being in your environment has the ability to bring down levels of stress in the body. Nature can even alter your body by not only improving your mood, but also by changing how our nervous, endocrine, and immune systems work. Humans tend to feed off of their surroundings, so high-stress environments can make us feel anxious, nervous, or helpless. This in turn can lead to high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, tension build-up in the muscles, and a suppressed immune system.
When we are in nature, it provides a pleasing environment for us. We enjoy the natural experience of living with the land and this has been proven time and time again. If you’re looking for a boost in your well-being and an improved sense of life, take some time to explore Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Overland Park was incorporated as a first-class city in 1960. In the city lies the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. It provides for an excellent way to get your daily dose of sun and interact with nature. The Arboretum encompasses 300 acres of land with over 1,700 species of plants inhabiting the property. The park features a wide range of landscapes with wild hiking trails and beautiful gardens along the way.
The arboretum was founded in order to keep the city keen on environmental and ecological issues. It is open year round and provides a plethora of diverse experiences through events, programs, and educational opportunities. Kansas City can call the arboretum their main educational, recreational, and cultural resource. Natural ecosystems are restored and preserved throughout 85% property. The rest is dedicated to the botanical gardens and the Environmental Education Visitors Center.
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens hosts events year-round to raise funds for the arboretum as well as the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and the public arts program. One of these events is Wine Tasting on the Terrace. This event is hosted during the months of May through September so you can soak up the sun while tasting some wine. Reservations are required but tickets are transferable to other available dates. For the spring and fall months, Biergarten Thursdays take place.
The arboretum hosts a spring plant sale to help residents spruce up their spring gardens. With over 200 species of plant varieties, it’s easy to find your favorite kinds of flowers. For the plant lovers there are shrubs, grasses, and edible plants for sale as well. The proceeds of the spring plant sale go towards funding of the arboretum.
Make sure to take part in a bird walk so you can test your bird watching skills. The walk is led by volunteers alongside birding experts who will teach you how to decipher these sounds of nature.
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday. In the summers, the arboretum offers extended hours on Wednesdays for early entry (7:00 a.m.) and on Thursdays for late access (8:00 p.m.) While the arboretum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day, it is open on New Years Day for part of the day.
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Map from Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to WilsonHaag:
Map from Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art: