Celebrating 150 Years with 150 Young Friends

On October 1, the Young Friends of Forest Park Forever hosted Twilight in the Trees, a celebratory evening in the iconic Jewel Box. Young Friends and their guests mingled in this historic Forest Park space while enjoying small bites, special cocktails and mocktails and a beautiful soundscape created by the Blck Bird String Ensemble. Check out the photo album from the event on our Facebook page.

At this annual fall social gathering, the Young Friends received the latest updates from our staff about tornado recovery and the nearly completed construction projects at The Glade and the Boathouse. They also heard from Young Friends Board vice chair Erin Sullentrup, a lifelong St. Louisan who became a member to help ensure “today’s visitors get to enjoy this magical place,” as they have since the Park opened to the public on June 24, 1876.

In her remarks to guests, Sullentrup summed up a sentiment many of us share about Forest Park: “I love that I don’t have one specific feeling of coming here. I’m here year-round and at all times of day. I’ll be here in spring for Shakespeare in the Park. I’ll come on a sunny summer or fall day to have a picnic with friends. And I’ll be here in the winter to visit the museums. It feels incredible to be in a space that has all these different uses. Forest Park is exactly what I need it to be on any given day.”

When sharing her thoughts about the importance connecting with others and supporting the Park through the Young Friends of Forest Park Forever, she said, “If we’re going to preserve this place forever, young people need to think ahead to how it will be here for us in our future life stages. We need to get involved and stay involved—whether that’s by making a gift or volunteering our time—to make sure we’re building the future we want for ourselves and the Park.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! The Young Friends of Forest Park Forever raised $10,120 at Twilight in the Trees to support the restoration and maintenance of Forest Park. They also welcomed 14 new members! Learn more about the Young Friends and join today.

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You Can Support Forest Park All Year Long

As the nonprofit conservancy that maintains Forest 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 visitor services. We’re now using our expertise to integrate long-term tornado recovery into our annual plans and the master plan for Forest Park. There’s still so much work to be done and many ways you can help!

Events, Fundraising, Forest Park Experience, Membership, PeopleTiffany WebbYoung Friends, Jewel Box