WHAT: Native Tree Planting in Benton Park
Friends of Benton Park was a 2025-26 recipient of the Missouri Department of Conservation Community Forestry Cost Share Grant. As a recipient, our namesake Benton Park received $25,000 in much needed tree care, including the removal of 7 large trees and the pruning of several others. Trees for removal were identified by a collaborative team of MDC, St. Louis City, and neighborhood partners. These trees are dead or dying, making them hazards to the public who enjoy the park.
A requirement of this grant is that we plant two new native trees for every tree removed, ensuring our native tree population continues to grow and thrive. We will be planting 14 trees this spring, on March 22, from 9:30am-12pm
Please join us and help us plant these new additions in our beautiful park! We will also mulch existing trees in the park, which helps with water retention, weed suppression, and give a buffer for the lawn mowers to prevent damage to trees.
Tools and gloves will be provided (feel free to bring your own gloves if you have some you like). Please bring water.
WHERE: Exact location here. We will meet on the bridge over the lake. Street parking is available all along Arsenal on the north side of the park (just don’t park at a bus stop where signs indicate “no parking”).
WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 9:30am-12:00pm. Volunteer check-in will begin at 9:15am
**Inclement weather date will be Sunday, March 29th from 9:30am-12:00pm**
WHAT TO WEAR:
Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, we recommend long pants and sleeves.
Sturdy, closed toe shoes or boots
Dress for the weather!
WHAT TO BRING:
A filled bottle of water - we recommend reusable!
Tools will be provided, feel free to bring your own gloves if you have a pair you like.
Sunscreen
Registration notes:
Pre-registration is encouraged in case of event rescheduling or cancellation
This volunteer opportunity is open to individuals 18 and older, who are welcome to bring children with them if supervised. Only register the adult volunteer.
