Kick your shoes off

The University of Idaho Arboretum deserves recognition for its beauty, serence atmosphere

Too often, we get caught up in the daily tasks of life and forget the important things.

As busy college students, we wake up in our houses, go to class or work and then come back to our houses to study, consumed by technology. We are so distracted by what’s in front of us, we forget how important nature is to our souls, our health and our overall well-being.

Alexia Neal

Alexia Neal | Argonaut

The New Arboretum and Botanical Garden, located just on the outskirts of the University of Idaho campus up New Greek row, is one of Moscow’s hidden gems. It provides a beautiful place to take a break from school and technology and to simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Some find it useful as a wholesome place to exercise outdoors, hang out with friends or escape the daily struggles of life.

There are plenty of benches and flat grassy areas to sit and work on homework. I know I’ve never found the same kind of peace in a library as I have while in nature, and I know many would agree with me.

At first glance, the trees and plants in the New Arboretum would appear to be arranged simply to please the eye, but there is actually much more that goes into the plants’ placement than that. Every single plant was carefully placed around the New Arboretum according to its geographical origin. The New Arboretum is divided into different areas — Europe, Asia, Eastern North America and Western North America.

Every single tree has a tag attached to it so it can be better understood by the people observing it. A few of the species of trees exhibited in the New Arboretum I never knew existed before I went myself, but I love them that much more now that I know their official name.

Walking around, getting lost in the beauty that comes with each different season, while also observing for yourself the true diversity of nature — you can’t get that sort of education from a book.

Try to remember the last time your bare feet touched the earth. If you can’t remember the last time, it has been far too long.  Walking across the lawn to get the mail doesn’t count. Try to find a time to let your toes get lost between blades of grass and chunks of dirt. The New Arboretum is a good place to do just that.

Most people don’t know walking barefoot on the ground is the purest way to ground yourself, and we’re fortunate to have such a beautiful place to kick our shoes off. Enjoy the free-flowing electrons between classes while reading a book, or even while studying.

Although there are many beautiful locations in Moscow, the New Arboretum is a special one. Not only is it conveniently located near campus, but the New Arboretum is educational and provides peace to those who need it.

Alexia Neal can be reached at [email protected]

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