Opportunities From: Open Space STL

You are invited to serve on the Planning Committee for the 319 non-point source (NPS) nine element (9E) Lower Meramec Watershed - Hamilton Creek HUC 12 sub-watershed planning effort as the process will engage watershed stakeholders through this planning committee and various activities.

The second 319 Lower Meramec Watershed - Hamilton Creek HUC12 subwatershed planning meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 2:30 to 4:30 PM.

The meeting will be held in the Community Room at the Wildwood Municipal Building, located on the first floor of City Hall at:

16860 Main Street

Wildwood, MO 63040

Please RSVP by registering for this event by October 30th. The agenda is as follows:

Background Information

Open Space STL applied for Section 319 watershed planning grant funds, which Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved July 15, 2024, to administer and facilitate the watershed planning process to build on the original efforts of East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) and partners, including Open Space STL, to update the Kiefer Creek 9E Plan for Bacteria to address primary and secondary pollutants of concern in Kiefer Creek as well as its larger encompassing Hamilton Creek HUC 12 Watershed.

Concurrently, a demonstration project will be installed in Greensfelder Park to showcase a land preservation, protection, and prairie restoration in partnership with St. Louis County Parks, and the continuation of the implementation of the Kiefer Creek Plan for Bacteria to continue to recruit volunteers and engage the public to conduct trash clean-up and invasive species removal restoration events to install rainscaping in Castlewood State Park as identified in the plan.

The main goal of the Open Space STL Lower Meramec Watershed Restoration Collaboration Phase I is to build on the original efforts of EWG and partners, including Open Space STL, to address primary and secondary pollutants of concern in the Hamilton Creek HUC 12 sub-watershed of the lower Meramec River Watershed to improve water quality for whole body contact and aquatic life designated uses.

This will help Open Space STL meet its long-term goal of planning and implementing water quality improvement projects to widely restore tributaries of the lower Meramec River to achieve and maintain water quality standards for all designated uses. This project is currently set to run from now through September 30, 2026 and will employ several strategies to achieve the overall goal through planning, implementation, public engagement, outreach and education, and monitoring and modeling efforts.

Hamilton Creek HUC 12 (071402021001)

The Hamilton Creek HUC 12 watershed is 34,956 acres or 54.6 square miles in size. The majority of the watershed is in southern St. Louis County and the remainder is in north central Jefferson County. Hamilton, Carr, Flat, Forby and Kiefer Creeks are north of the Meramec River.

Carr Creek is a tributary of Hamilton Creek. Antire Creek is on the southern side of the Meramec River. There also are tributaries to these creeks and smaller streams and land areas which drain directly to the Meramec River. Kiefer Creek enters the Meramec River in Castlewood State Park, 24 miles upstream of the confluence with the Mississippi River, Hamilton Creek enters the Meramec near the Glencoe area of Wildwood, 30 miles upstream, Flat Creek enters the Meramec in Eureka approximately 31 miles upstream, and Antire Creek enters the Meramec River near Route 66 State Park.

Portions of Eureka, Wildwood, Ellisville, Ballwin and Byrnes Mill are in the Hamilton Creek watershed. Peaceful Village in Jefferson County is completely within this watershed. Unincorporated High Ridge is in the southern part of the watershed.

This project is partially funded by US EPA Region 7 through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (subgrant number G24-NPS-04), under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.

WHAT: In the coming months starting Saturday, November 15, 2025, we need an enthusiastic group to make this a destination for gatherings, small concerts and relaxed personal reflection. The beautiful natural spring, patio and planting areas are just waiting for some tender care.

WHERE: Jefferson Barracks Park, Sylvan Springs Beverage Garden and Amphitheater. Exact location here.

 WHEN: Saturday, November 15, from 9am to 11pm. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45am. 

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.

We’re excited to invite you to this opportunity to help beautify Greensfelder Park. Together, we’ll be clearing invasive honeysuckle from the woods near the Dogwood Shelter and trail. This effort will not only enhance the scenic views from this popular spot but also help native species thrive - like the Flowering Dogwood that this shelter is named after.

WHERE: Greensfelder Park - Dogwood Shelter on Hencken Road. Exact location here.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 19 from 9am to 12pm. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45am. 

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. Electric Chain saws are ideal for cutting the larger bushes

Bug/tick spray, and some will be provided (may not be necessary depending on the weather)

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, Thursday, October 30th. 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:

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, Thursday, November 6th. 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:

We’re excited to invite you to this opportunity to help beautify Greensfelder Park. Together, we’ll be clearing invasive honeysuckle from the woods near the Dogwood Shelter and trail. This effort will not only enhance the scenic views from this popular spot but also help native species thrive - like the Flowering Dogwood that this shelter is named after.

WHERE: Greensfelder Park - Dogwood Shelter on Hencken Road. Exact location here.

WHEN: Sunday, November 16 from 9am to 12pm. Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:45am. 

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. Electric Chain saws are ideal for cutting the larger bushes

Bug/tick spray, and some will be provided (may not be necessary depending on the weather)

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: Trees as keystone species are the most important contributors to biodiversity. We will be planting trees, then setting posts and fencing for deer protection. Then we stand back and await the benefits of our work to come to Little Creve Coeur.

WHERE: Little Creve Coeur Ecological Area 152 River Valley Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Exact location here. 

 WHEN: Saturday, November 22, 2025. 9AM CSDT - 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.

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 such as hand shears, you are welcome to bring them

Sunscreen

Porta potties may be available on site. Water for hand washing will be available

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:  Planting short trees and shrubs in the hedge row north of the parking area. These shrubs and short trees will be selected for fruit and flowers that support wildlife, especially birds.

WHERE: Little Creve Coeur Ecological Area 152 River Valley Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Exact location here. 

 WHEN: Saturday, November 8, 2025. 9AM CSDT - 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.

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 such as hand shears, you are welcome to bring them

Sunscreen

Porta potties may be available on site. Water for hand washing will be available

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: Asian Bush Honeysuckle is perhaps the most prevalent invasive plant in the St. Louis area.  We're trying to make a dent in that.

Where: Meet at the edge of Creve Coeur Lake, here. 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, December 6. 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, November 1. 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.