Planting Trees and Prairies
Conserve
Conservation Easements
Planting Trees and Prairies
Tree Planting Along the Katy Trail
The river that Lewis and Clark took west from St. Louis has changed greatly in the past two centuries but the bluffs and forests that overlook the river valley remain intact. In the fields beneath those bluffs are massive trees – pecans, oaks, and cottonwoods. All are remnants of the forests that originally covered the river valley. Some of these trees were witnesses to the original Journey of Discovery in 1804. It’s up to us to help reforest the land along the Katy Trail, as well as on private and public land in the river valley.
One of Magnificent Missouri’s key partners in conservation is Forest ReLeaf. They have collaborated with us for years in our tree planting efforts and by hosting an annual Tree Camp for children to raise the next generation of tree-mendous advocates!
Planting Prairies and Native Habitat
The 4-acre Peers Prairie lies between the Peers Store and the Katy Trail. In 2016, in collaboration with Missouri State Parks, we planted native wildflowers and grasses on this trailside property. It provides habitat and bio-diversity for the pollinators and beauty for all of us on the Trail.
To celebrate our 10th birthday, Magnificent Missouri will be planting the genetic offspring of the largest bur oak tree in Missouri. The trees will be planted along the Katy Trail; in the Washington, Missouri Riverfront Park; at the Ted and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park; and in Forest Park. Read more here.
Bur Oak near Defiance, MO
Burkhardt Grove
Reforesting Areas Along the Katy Trail with Native Missouri Trees
From left to right: Bill Spradley, Dan Burkhardt, and Mike Rood.
Burkhardt Grove (formerly known as “The Trees of Treloar”), made up exclusively of native Missouri trees, was planted along and near the Treloar Trailhead on the Katy Trail. These trees provide shade and beauty for trail users, a habitat for wildlife and pollinators, and runoff control for a healthy watershed. It also serves as a place to promote Magnificent Missouri’s goal of reforesting areas along the Trail in collaboration with Forest ReLeaf.
Assistance for planning and planting Burkhardt Grove provided by Mike Rood at Pea Ridge Forest and Bill Spradley at Trees, Forests, and Landscapes.
Watch: “A reforesting project by Magnificent Missouri aims to provide multiple benefits to humans, wildlife”
Video by Christina Chastain, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships Manager at HEC-TV, St. Louis’ leading producer of education and arts television programming. For more great content from the Higher Education Channel, visit their website here.