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, February 21, 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.
