2017 in Review
2017 in Review
As a steward of one of the great natural treasures of the region, Forest Park Forever cares deeply about conservation and sustainability. Below you can read just a few examples of 2017 highlights from these important areas.
Last year, as our team prepared for construction to rebuild Liberal Arts Bridge, Forest Park Forever Park Ecologist Amy Witt (above) led the implementation of a Wildlife Impact Mitigation & Inventory Plan. Working with several community partners, Witt and the team collected Park wildlife — over 50 turtles — then inventoried and relocated them to other sites along the waterway where they can continue to live safely.
When this project is complete, wildlife will be reintroduced to this much improved natural area, and we will have a better sense of what kind (and how many) animals call this area home.
Flower beds around the Visitor Center were redesigned to increase habitat for native plants and animals, with a special focus on attracting pollinators. By the end of 2017, the beds contained 17 native plant species. At certain points during the year, FPF horticulturist for this area, Jaimie Liebman (above), could count more than 50 butterflies at once in this part of the Park!
The iconic statue of Saint Louis overlooking Art Hill underwent much-needed restoration and conservation work early in 2017, with funding provided by Forest Park Forever donors. In an effort to make the project as environmentally friendly as possible, the contractor was able to use dry ice blasting to remove the protective coating. This method is particularly effective in removing old, insoluble coatings, eliminating harmful residues and toxic chemicals.
We recently oversaw the completion of major landscaping improvements in the 60,000 square-foot area along DeBaliviere Blvd, between the Missouri History Museum and Forest Park Parkway, a key entrance to Forest Park. Smart irrigation was installed to help save water by allowing water flow to be modified based on soil moisture, soil type, plant type, sunny and shady areas, high ground and low ground. Our team also planted 73 new trees from 16 different species and more than 3,300 new shrubs, herbaceous perennials and grasses from 21 different species.
In September, full-time FPF employees participated in a self-administered commuter survey. A key finding from the responses was that 15% of employees utilize alternative modes of transportation at least 3 days a week. We're looking forward to even more bike riding, mass transit riding and carpooling in 2018!
Several members of our team helped lead Team Bike to victory during this year's Great Race! This annual Citizens for Modern Transit event helps promote alternative modes of transportation and showcase how areas around transit stations can become focal points for activity.
In 2017, we installed eco-hand dryers in the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center, replacing paper towel dispensers. This eliminated purchasing and waste of 360 jumbo hand towel rolls and saved nearly $4,000. An additional cost-benefit includes a reduction in sewer backups in public restrooms from the flushing of paper towels. Plumbing service calls were reduced by 70%!