By Alan Hopefl
Blooming honeysuckle is attractive, but unhealthy for other plants and animals
The Kirkwood Parks Department has made significant progress removing bush honeysuckle from Emmenegger Nature Park, but there’s still more to do and they’d like your help.
What: Bush honeysuckle removal
When: Saturday, May 2nd, 9 AM to noon
Where: Emmenegger Nature Park, 11991 Stoneywood Dr, 63122 (Google map); meet at the kiosk by the creek.
Who: Family-friendly event; persons under 18 must have parental signature on waiver
What to bring: Work gloves, eye protection, and saw/loppers. The Kirkwood Parks Department will have water, light snacks, and other tools as needed.
Questions? Contact Kirkwood Parks Horticulturist Pete Laufersweiler at 314-984-6981 or lauferpj@kirkwoodmo.org
About Emmenegger Nature Park
Acquired through the combined donation from Russell Emmenegger and a federal grant in 1975, this beautiful property is the largest park in the Kirkwood system. The original 97 acres have been combined with the former City pool property and the Department of Conservation’s “Possum Woods” property into a 134-acre park that features a picnic pavilion, restrooms, a paved nature trail, and numerous casual trails that explore the undeveloped portions of the park with beautiful views of the Meramec River.
Emmenegger Nature Park is an ecologically unique area with glades, woodlands, and forests along the Meramec River. Removing invasive species allows native plants to flourish, creating better habitat for Missouri native plants and animals.
