ST. LOUIS – Cleanup operations are underway Tuesday afternoon at one of the city’s most popular spots.
Over 60 individuals from Spire took a trip to Forest Park to help clean the area around Steinberg Skating Rink. One group was tasked with picking up trash, while another worked to take down any plants that pose a threat to the habitat, like honeysuckle and winter creepers.
“We’re always trying to stay ahead of plants that are not native to the area, but can come in and outcompete natives, and that just takes a lot of people, hours, and labor,” Forest Park Director of Communications Dominik Jansky said.
The group aimed to clear trees of any invasive plants that harm the tree or impact area animals. Forest Park employees say some vines can cause serious damage to trees, especially when they begin seeding.
“A honeysuckle will shade out and kill other plants that do provide food for birds,” Nature Reserve technician Ryan Johnston said.
One worker says it may not be as effective to cut a full vine away because it risks damaging the bark of the tree. Instead, a simple two-foot cut of vine will do the job without jeopardizing the tree.
Lisa Kozeja, another technician, says it will buy four years of time for the area as they remove the ability for the plant to seed out.
Seeding out is exactly what it sounds like. When a plants seeds are released to grow on its own, it takes it whatever it needs to flourish in the environment.
Spire Missouri President Stephen Mills says he wants to preserve Forest Park’s natural habitat.
“Community is very important. We live in these communities, and it’s important that we really care,” he said.
