Join the Open Space Council for a volunteer workday to install willow stakes along the Meramec Riverbank in Lower Meramec Park on March 9, 2019. Willow staking is an innovative technique that helps stabilize eroding riverbank by providing a natural plant root system. Your efforts will help improve wildlife habitat in the park and stabilize the barren riverbank along this stretch. This workday will require volunteers to have strength, endurance, and a passion for restoring our parks!

Our event will be on Saturday, March 9th from 9am-12pm. Check in and registration is at 8:45am. Volunteers will meet in the Lower Meramec Park Parking Lot (off 6841 Holzer Park Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128).

This is an excellent hands-on learning opportunity for conservation professionals, land owners, and members of the public interested in ways to combat erosion with natural plant solutions. Volunteers will install the willow stakes directly into the bank using a mallet. We highly recommend volunteers come dressed to get wet and muddy and bring their own rubber or wooden mallet if possible. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear close-toed waterproof boots.

Due to the terrain at the clean up site, we ask that all volunteers are at least 18 years old. Work gloves and some tools will be provided. In case of severe inclement weather, this event will be moved to Saturday, March 16th, 2019.

Special thanks to Great Rivers Greenway District, St. Louis County Parks, private funders, and Open Space Council members for their support!

Have questions on the day of the event? Call Caitlin at 314-835-9225.

Looking to learn about the whole process of willow staking? Volunteer to harvest willow stakes with us on Tuesday March 5th or drill pilot holes in the riverbank on March 8th.