Blog by April Anderson
Member, Wild Ones – St. Louis Chapter
Horticultural Volunteer Coordinator, Museum of Transportation
Photos by Betty Struckhoff
Member, Wild Ones – St. Louis Chapter
Lead Volunteer, Museum of Transportation
Butterfly on milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Wild Ones as well as friends who may be new to gardening with natives are invited to be part of the Gardening Team at the Museum of Transportation (MOT).
We have native wildflower gardens, prairie gardens, pollinator gardens, and natural areas that add beauty as well as much needed habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Volunteers of all experience levels are needed to pull weeds, install new plantings, water, mulch, and remove non-native honeysuckle. Experienced gardeners are needed to mentor those who are new to gardening and supervise large groups. Hours are flexible, but dependability is essential.
Red-winged blackbird nest
Wild Ones member Betty Struckhoff continues to volunteer at MOT, having worked there for more than seven years as part of St. Louis County Parks. “What keeps me coming back is the great people volunteering and the things I learn every single week,” said Betty.
Garden volunteers meet every Thursday morning from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. as well as other days and times that work with our volunteers. Please contact me at (847) 289-9760 to learn more or contact Lead Volunteer Betty Struckhoff (314) 960-5126 if you’re coming out to work and cannot find the group. Whether you can help once a week, once a month, or once in a while, you can make a difference.
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Volunteers are asked to dress for the weather: Long sleeves (with short sleeves underneath), long pants, hat, durable close-toed shoes, eye protection (it’s fine to wear glasses) if trimming, a bucket, leather gloves, hand spade or pitchfork for digging weeds, and a full water bottle.
Be sure to check the Museum of Transportation events calendar or weekly blog for updated hours and locations or email April Anderson at team.nature.ed@gmail.com.
We welcome individuals and groups wanting to make a positive difference.
[Editor’s Note: This ongoing opportunity has been added to our Community Volunteering Dig In! website page.]
