Opportunities From: Open Space STL

Through the CSA program, Open Space STL and the St. Louis County Department of Parks & Recreation partner to restore and actively manage Laumeier’s native oak woodlands—some of which are more than 100 years old. While often overlooked amid Laumeier’s nationally significant sculpture collection, these woodlands are vital ecological assets now threatened by invasive species, particularly bush honeysuckle.

“Open Space STL and St. Louis County Parks & Recreation are partnering through the Community Stewardship Alliance to restore the native oak woodlands at Laumeier Sculpture Park,” said Dennis Hogan, St. Louis County Department of Parks & Recreation. “These mature oak trees have survived tornadoes, ice storms, and decades of land-use changes, but the woodland ecosystem beneath them is struggling. Invasive honeysuckle is preventing sunlight from reaching native wildflowers and young oak seedlings, disrupting the entire web of life in the park. Oak woodland restoration at Laumeier will be about bringing change back to these woods. To do nothing is not an option. With volunteer effort and long-term commitment, we can begin reclaiming this landscape for native plants and the wildlife that depends on them.”

A Landmark Where Art and Nature Meet

Founded in 1976, Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the United States. Located on 98 acres in St. Louis County, Laumeier features more than 70 large-scale outdoor sculptures and serves approximately 360,000 visitors annually. Free and open daily, the park is internationally recognized and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, operating in partnership with St. Louis County Parks and Recreation.

Beyond its artistic significance, Laumeier’s open spaces and woodlands play a critical environmental role in the region—making stewardship and restoration efforts essential to its future.

WHAT: CSA volunteers will receive focused training to help remove invasive species, support native plant regeneration, and monitor long-term ecological health—work that benefits wildlife, park visitors, and the broader community.

WHERE: Laumeier Sculpture Park, West Entrance, 9050 Rott Rd, Sappington, MO 63127. Exact location here.

Please park in the West Entrance parking lot and follow the “Volunteers” signs to the Moss Shelter (here), where we will meet for orientation.

 WHEN: Saturday, November14, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45 a.m.

WHAT TO WEAR:

●     Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, we recommend long pants and sleeves..

●     Sturdy shoes or boots

●     Dress for the weather!

WHAT TO BRING:

●     A filled bottle of water - we recommend reusable!

●     Tools will be provided, but if you prefer your own, you are welcome to bring them

●     Sunscreen

●     Bug/tick spray, and some will be provided

Registration notes:

·         Work gloves, safety glasses and hand tools provided

●     Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

●     This volunteer opportunity is open to ages 13+. Children under 16 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

●     The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

●     Contact Julia Norton at volunteer@laumeier.org with questions.

-Volunteers of all ages are welcome
-Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
-Volunteers 18 and under may not handle herbicides
-A signed OSC Liability Waiver is required prior to participation.

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

-Volunteers of all ages are welcome
-Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
-Volunteers 18 and under may not handle herbicides
-A signed OSC Liability Waiver is required prior to participation.

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

-Volunteers of all ages are welcome
-Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
-Volunteers 18 and under may not handle herbicides
-A signed OSC Liability Waiver is required prior to participation.

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

-Volunteers of all ages are welcome
-Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
-Volunteers 18 and under may not handle herbicides
-A signed OSC Liability Waiver is required prior to participation.

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

-Volunteers of all ages are welcome
-Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
-Volunteers 18 and under may not handle herbicides
-A signed OSC Liability Waiver is required prior to participation.

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

-Volunteers of all ages are welcome
-Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
-Volunteers 18 and under may not handle herbicides
-A signed OSC Liability Waiver is required prior to participation.

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

-Volunteers of all ages are welcome
-Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
-Volunteers 18 and under may not handle herbicides
-A signed OSC Liability Waiver is required prior to participation.

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

WHAT: Come join Open Space STL and its community of volunteers as we support Castlewood State Park staff in the removal of invasive Bush honeysuckle from woodlands within the park.

This volunteer efforts is part of OS-STL's Operation Wild Lands program (OWLs), which seeks to aid in the proactive management of public open space, improving wildlife habitat and nature-related outdoor recreation opportunities across the St. Louis region. 

WHEN: 9:00am, Saturday, October 15th. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45am. 

WHERE: Castlewood State Park, 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021. Volunteers will meet at Shelter 1, near the playground/picnic area and across from The River Scene Trail. Exact meeting location here. 

WHAT TO WEAR:

WHAT TO BRING:

REGISTRATION NOTES:

Vent your frustrations on Asian Bush Honeysuckle and remove it from the landscape

When: Saturday, Dec. 5th, 8:30am-12pm. Volunteer check-in starts at 8:15.

Where: Meet at the edge of Creve Coeur Lake, here. Enter the park by the soccer fields and drive all the way back to the parking lot by the lake. We will be working between the soccer fields and the lake.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, we recommend long pants and sleeves, as well as closed toe shoes.

Sturdy shoes or boots

Dress for the weather!

WHAT TO BRING: 

A filled bottle of water - we recommend reusable!

Tools will be provided, but if you prefer your own, you are welcome to bring them

Sunscreen

Bug/tick spray, and some will be provided

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

WHAT: 

Take a moment out of your busy schedule and join the Community Stewardship Alliance to remove invasive honeysuckle and winter creeper from the St. Vincent Park woodlands.

WHERE:

St. Vincent Park, 7335 St Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot downhill from the pool.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/U9K3K2eNRXthg3u98

 WHEN: 

9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Saturday, November 7. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45 am.  

WHAT TO WEAR:

Clothes, we recommend long pants and sleeves

Sturdy shoes or boots

Dress for the weather!

Sunscreen 

WHAT TO BRING: 

A filled bottle of water - we recommend reusable!

Tools will be provided, but if you prefer your own, you are welcome to bring them

Sunscreen

Bug/tick spray, and some will be provided

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

In the event of severe weather, this event will be canceled. Volunteers will be notified via email and are encouraged to check our Facebook page (Open Space STL) for updates.

WHAT: 

Take a moment out of your busy schedule and join the Community Stewardship Alliance to remove invasive honeysuckle and winter creeper from the St. Vincent Park woodlands.

WHERE:

St. Vincent Park, 7335 St Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot downhill from the pool.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/U9K3K2eNRXthg3u98

 WHEN: 

9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Saturday, December 5. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45 am.  

WHAT TO WEAR:

Clothes, we recommend long pants and sleeves

Sturdy shoes or boots

Dress for the weather!

Sunscreen 

WHAT TO BRING: 

A filled bottle of water - we recommend reusable!

Tools will be provided, but if you prefer your own, you are welcome to bring them

Sunscreen

Bug/tick spray, and some will be provided

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

In the event of severe weather, this event will be canceled. Volunteers will be notified via email and are encouraged to check our Facebook page (Open Space STL) for updates.

WHAT:  The area by Old Trees along Highway 141 was cleared of bush honeysuckle in March of 2026. This area will be ready for a new look with planting of young saplings in the field adjacent to the highway.

WHERE: Little Creve Coeur Ecological Area 152 River Valley Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Exact location here.  We will assemble at the South Parking lot adn carpool to the work site.

 WHEN: Saturday, November 7, 2026. 9am - 12 noon. Volunteer check-in will begin at 15 min before event. 

WHAT TO WEAR:

Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, we recommend long pants and sleeves, as well as closed toe shoes.

Dress for the weather!

WHAT TO BRING: 

A filled bottle of water - we recommend reusable!

Hand tools will be provided. If you prefer your own power tools, you are welcome to bring them

Sunscreen

Porta potties are expected at the South Parking. Water for drinking and hand washing will be available

Herbicide use is optional; if used PPE is not optional.

Bring a friend. If time and interest we can meet afterward at the Lakehouse Grill

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

In the event of severe weather, this event will be canceled. Volunteers will be notified via email and are encouraged to check our Facebook page (Open Space STL) for updates

WHAT: 

Take a moment out of your busy schedule and join the Community Stewardship Alliance to remove invasive honeysuckle and winter creeper from the St. Vincent Park woodlands.

WHERE:

St. Vincent Park, 7335 St Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot downhill from the pool.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/U9K3K2eNRXthg3u98

 WHEN: 

9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Saturday, October 3. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45 am.  

WHAT TO WEAR:

Clothes, we recommend long pants and sleeves

Sturdy shoes or boots

Dress for the weather!

Sunscreen 

WHAT TO BRING: 

A filled bottle of water - we recommend reusable!

Tools will be provided, but if you prefer your own, you are welcome to bring them

Sunscreen

Bug/tick spray, and some will be provided

Registration notes:

Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation

This volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Children under 13 may volunteer only if accompanied by a parent or guardian and those 18 or under may not participate in herbicide application.

The annual OSC liability waiver must be signed and approved before a volunteer can register for this opportunity. To see if you have met this qualification, please view your profile here.

In the event of severe weather, this event will be canceled. Volunteers will be notified via email and are encouraged to check our Facebook page (Open Space STL) for updates.

WHAT: Come join Open Space STL and its community of volunteers as we support Castlewood State Park staff in the removal of invasive Bush honeysuckle from woodlands within the park.

This volunteer efforts is part of OS-STL's Operation Wild Lands program (OWLs), which seeks to aid in the proactive management of public open space, improving wildlife habitat and nature-related outdoor recreation opportunities across the St. Louis region. 

WHEN: 9:00am, Saturday, October 1st. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45am. 

WHERE: Castlewood State Park, 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021. Volunteers will meet at Shelter 1, near the playground/picnic area and across from The River Scene Trail. Exact meeting location here. 

WHAT TO WEAR:

WHAT TO BRING:

REGISTRATION NOTES: