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Designed by Maximillian Kern and opened on June 24, 1876,
Forest Park is one of St. Louis’ most visited destinations. Forest Park is the seventh
largest urban park measuring 1,293 acres complete with waterways, museums, golf courses
and so much more. At the time of its opening, Forest Park was a 40-minute carriage or
20-minute train ride from downtown St. Louis. In 1904, as part of a centennial celebration
of Lewis and Clark, this majestic Park was on display for the world to enjoy. Fast-forward
to the depression of the 1930’s, when WPA projects helped build the present day Muny Opera
and the Jewel Box. The Park has stood the test of time and is now finishing a $100,000,000
renovation that will secure the future of the Park for another generation or two of
visitors.
The success of Forest Park is dependent on the generosity of the St. Louis population and
visitors from afar. The present day rehab was made possible through public, private and
corporate donations. Monetary donations alone are not the whole picture; the Park depends
on the generosity of hundreds of volunteers in the form of work hours. One such volunteer
group is Flora Conservancy at Forest Park whose mission it is to return flowers back to the
Park.
The Flora Conservancy works year-round to ensure that Forest Park has floral displays every
month of the year. Winter months are spent in the greenhouse planting annual seeds that will
be planted throughout the Park. In the warming days of spring, Flora volunteers clean and
prepare flowerbeds around the Jewel Box and Pagoda Circle. In April visitors flock to the
Jewel Box to see the tulips at their peak and after the petals have faded, summer planting
begins. All summer long, volunteers work in every corner of the Park weeding, trimming,
planting and laughing with friends. As the days shorten and a chill can be felt, it is time
to plant thousands of tulip bulbs, lay the flowerbeds to rest and bring cuttings back to the
greenhouse for use next spring. Do not forget about inside the Jewel Box; poinsettias, lilies,
hydrangeas and summer annuals are grown in the greenhouse for year-round shows. The volunteers
of Flora Conservancy work closely with the St. Louis City Parks Department whose job it is to
plan, schedule and implement plantings in the Park.
Volunteers with all levels of horticultural knowledge from all over the city and county drive,
walk or bike to the Park to help for many different reasons. Some enjoy the camaraderie of
other gardeners, a few live near the Park and want to help take care of it, and others enjoy
the greenhouse because they are able to garden in the winter, but everyone agrees, Forest Park
is worth their time and toil. |
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