MDC announces new partnership with Tower Grove Park to expand nature programming to St. Louis City residents

St. LOUIS, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) makes it a priority to help connect Missourians with nature no matter where they live, including the heart of major metropolitan areas like the City of St. Louis.

MDC is partnering with Tower Grove Park in the City of St. Louis to bring more nature and outdoor-based educational programing to urban inhabitants. Nature is not far for St. Louis residents as the iconic park, which was established in 1868, offers a natural tapestry and outdoor oasis amid the urban environment. Tower Grove Park hosts approximately 2.5 million visitors each year. It is the second largest park in the city, covering 289 acres.

Tower Grove Park is a Level II Accredited Arboretum, featuring 7,000 trees of some 300 varieties. The National Audubon Society has designated Tower Grove Park’s Gaddy Wild Bird Garden an Important Bird Area, boasting over 200 documented species. Park staff also strive to create natural habitat by planting and maintaining native species to benefit monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

“MDC is excited about this new partnership because it provides us additional opportunities to help people in St. Louis City experience nature first hand. Tower Grove Park is an excellent touchpoint to bring the natural world home to our urban residents,” said MDC Outreach and Education Regional Supervisor Jennifer Fakes.

The new educational programs in Tower Grove Park will expand on what MDC currently offers in other St. Louis City parks. Programs coming up as a result of the new partnership include:

• Babes in the Woods: August Sensations, Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 9-10 a.m.
  • Open for ages 0-3
  • Introduce your little one to summer’s sights, sounds and shades. Meet at the Comfort Station near the Kingshighway entrance in Tower Grove Park.
  • Register online at https://tinyurl.com/y3tylhzx
• Nature in Your Neighborhood: Bugs, Monday, Aug. 19 from 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Open to ages 6-12
  • Spy, collect, observe, and expand your awareness of bugs. Bring your skills, and we will outfit you to catch some bugs to see them close-up. This program meets at the Stone Shelter within Tower Grove Park.  
  • Register online at https://tinyurl.com/y2asdksk
• What Makes a Mammal?  Friday, Sept. 20 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Open to ages 7-12
  • Missouri’s mammals come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. Join us for fun mammalian activities which illustrate what make a mammal. Meet at the comfort station by the West End Picnic Site.  
• Registration begins Sep 6 online at https://tinyurl.com/yyzzu3pq

All programs are free of charge, however advanced online registration is required using the links provided above.

Tower Grove Park is in the heart of the City of St. Louis at 4257 Northeast Drive. It lies between Kingshighway and Grand Boulevards.