Reflecting on a Year of Resilience and Restoration

Many of us know Forest Park only as it is today: a treasured, well-maintained urban oasis that’s home to several world-class cultural and educational institutions.

Some of us take it for granted that the Park offers endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation and observation of nature and provides the setting for daily activity and major milestones. Forest Park feels like a timeless refuge from our daily routines because we are accustomed to its accessibility and amenities. But others remember when the Park wasn’t such a gem for our region.

Four Decades Stewarding Forest Park             

Forest Park has seen many ups and downs during its nearly 150 years. In the 1980s, when it showed signs of neglect and deferred maintenance, a forward-thinking group of St. Louisans came together to find ways to rebuild crumbling infrastructure, renovate historic structures and make visitors feel welcome again. In 1986, this group of Park friends formed Forest Park Forever and began the advocacy and revitalization work that continues today.

In 1995, the City of St. Louis adopted the Forest Park Master Plan, which outlines recommendations for “preserving a unique St. Louis resource.” In the 30 years since its adoption, this document remains the basis of the City’s and Forest Park Forever’s shared vision and a blueprint for current and future restoration and improvements.

Today, our mission is “to work in partnership with the City of St. Louis and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park as one of America’s great urban public parks for the enjoyment of all—now and forever.” And our innovative, visionary public–private partnership has continued to thrive.

A Devastating—But Not Defining—Moment

Screenshot of KMOV reporter Cameron Bopp interviewing Amy Witt in Successional Forest in Forest Park

Park Ecologist Amy Witt is interviewed about restoration in Successional Forest. Watch the full Channel 4 interview.

Fast forward to May 16, 2025, the day an EF-3 tornado that devastated the St. Louis region ripped through the western and northern ends of Forest Park. Roads, paved trails and forest paths were blocked by downed trees and other debris. Several of the Jewel Box’s historic glass panes shattered. The Cascades waterfall and stone stairway were blocked by large, fallen trees that previously framed this favorite spot.

Perhaps most shocking, the tornado carved new sightlines across the Park and inward from Lindell and Skinker Boulevards. The loss of mature trees in these areas left jarring gaps. Beloved, familiar scenes changed in an instant.

In Forest Park’s manicured landscapes and natural woodlands, the tornado cut through more than 5,000 trees, with 3,000 of them toppled or irreparably harmed. While we grieved for what was, we continued our progress toward what will be.  As Park Ecologist Amy Witt says of ecology in general and her role at Forest Park Forever specifically, we must “be able to look into the future and see hope. And I look into the future, and I see hope because I see that we are making a difference.”

We know it will take years to restore damaged buildings and infrastructure and decades to regrow the tree canopy. But we made significant progress in late 2025 with the help of Forest Park volunteers, members and donors. We planted an astonishing 883 trees of 41 native species in one day during the 26th annual Forest Restoration Day. We planted another 160 trees during a collaborative work day with the City’s Forest Park Arboricultural Crew and 90 more along Lindell Boulevard in late December.

Screenshot of KMOV reporter Cameron Bopp interviewing Roman Fox in Forest Park

Director of Land Management Roman Fox is interviewed about restoring the Park’s tree canopy. Watch the full Channel 4 story.

Roman Fox, Forest Park Forever’s director of land management, acknowledges that while many of those saplings are small, their significance is immense. Our collective efforts as the stewards of the Park—Forest Park Forever staff, volunteers, donors and members—will be felt for years to come.

“We know that the effort that we’re doing today is actually a commitment to future generations. There are trees here today that we won’t see their full maturity. And that’s ok. That’s the commitment that everyone here is [making]… we’re doing this not just for ourselves but the future of our community and the generations to come,” says Fox.  

With the same future-focused perspective that has defined Forest Park Forever since its creation, our dedicated staff ensured events went on as planned in the second half of the year. They were special, if bittersweet, celebrations of our recovery and those who support it. In 2025, we also marked the completion of a years-long effort to connect the Park’s waterways, advanced the Glade and Steinberg Rink transformations and began a major renovation of the Boathouse.

Forever Looking Forward

And now, we’re ready to turn over a new leaf and ring in a milestone year—2026 marks the 150th anniversary of Forest Park and the 40th anniversary of Forest Park Forever! We have so much to look forward to over the next 12 months, including:  

  • Planting at least 1,200 more trees in the Park, a fraction of the more than 6,000 we and our City partners expect to install over the next five years.

  • Unveiling the transformative, community-centered Glade and reopening Steinberg Skating Rink for year-round activities.

  • Improving access and adding amenities at a busy Park entrance.

  • Flexing our parks and recreation knowledge at the Young Friends of Forest Park Forever Trivia Night.

  • Hitting the best course in town at the only golf tournament in Forest Park that supports Forest Park.

  • Celebrating the 35th annual Hat Luncheon, our largest fundraiser of the year!

  • And more…

What we do now will shape the next 150 years of Forest Park. Forever begins today, and we’re grateful for your support as we look forward to what comes next.

Forever our Favorite Park

Thanks to our supporters, Forest Park will always be an inviting, restorative green space for all of us, even after the unthinkable happens.

As the nonprofit conservancy that maintains the Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever employs experts in land management, ecology, conservation, park operations, community engagement, education and customer service. We’re now using our expertise to integrate long-term tornado recovery into our daily care and long-term plans for Forest Park.

There’s still so much work to be done and many ways you can help!

Tiffany Webb