Tornado Recovery in Forest Park
In late 2025, we began what will be the largest, longest-term and costliest part of Forest Park’s recovery from the May 2025 tornado: replanting its namesake trees. In both manicured landscapes and natural areas, the EF3 tornado damaged more than 5,200 trees, toppling or irreparably harming 3,100 of them.
Read more about the effects of the tornado in our After the Storm publication.
It will take years and significant investment to fully recover from the storm and decades to regrow the tree canopy, but it does not change our mission to sustain Forest Park. Partnering with the City of St. Louis, our goal is to plant at least 6,000 trees over the next five years.
More than 1,100 Trees Planted in Late 2025
In November, we planted 883 trees of 41 native species in Successional Forest and around the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape during our 26th annual Forest Restoration Day and another 160 trees near Kennedy Forest during a collaborative work day with the City’s Forest Park Arboricultural Crew.
In December, the arbor team planted 90 trees along Lindell Boulevard, which suffered a near-total loss of mature trees. This familiar landscape was dramatically altered by the storm but is now being replanted with resilient, diverse species that will thrive well into the future, including disease-resistant Princeton elms (Ulmus americana), non-fruiting Osage orange trees (Maclura pomifera) and scarlet oaks (Quercus coccinea).
By the end of April, approximately 160 trees will have been planted along Lindell and Skinker Boulevards.
New Entryway—and Trees—at Lagoon Drive
Another area transformed by the loss of trees is the western edge of the Park, bordered by Skinker Boulvard. Forest Park Forever and the City soon break ground on a new entryway at Lagoon Drive that improves visibility for pedestrians and drivers, adds seating and plantings and creates an inviting plaza around the Musicians Memorial and Fountain. The design also includes adding 117 new trees in an area nearly stripped of vegetation by the tornado.
Boardwalk and Path Repairs in Kennedy Forest and Savanna
Kennedy Forest and Savanna also suffered significant tornado damage. We’re undertaking major maintenance in these areas — grading to improve water distribution, grinding stumps and removing damaged trees. About 17% of the tornado-felled trees will remain in this woodland, intentionally left there to provide nutrients to the soil and habitat for resident wildlife.
Five boardwalk bridges in Kennedy Forest that were destroyed or severely damaged in the storm have been repaired or rebuilt, restoring access to these beloved yet secluded spots in the Park.
You Can Help Forest Park Grow Back Stronger
You can help Forest Park recover from the tornado by supporting our work. Long-term restoration and landscape improvements will sustain this urban oasis for generations to come.
Image gallery
Damage from the May 16, 2025, tornado at Picnic Island, near the Muny, at Picnic Pavilion 11 in Kennedy Forest, near a pathway along Skinker Boulevard, at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center, near the path along Lindell Boulevard and on the path between Concourse Drive and Government Hill.
Damage from the May 16, 2025, tornado around the Visitor and Education Center, at the racquetball and handball courts, at the swings behind the Visitor and Education Center, at the Nicholas J. Booker Basketball Courts and at the Variety Wonderland Playground.
Damage from the May 16, 2025, tornado to the beloved willow tree in Langenberg Field, in Moore Meadow near Liberal Arts Bridge and at the Nathan Frank Bandstand in Pagoda Circle near the Muny.
Damage from the May 16, 2025, tornado around Post-Dispatch Lake, Emerson Grand Basin, the Cascades, the pathways along Lagoon Drive and Shakespeare Glen.
Groups of volunteers removed fallen tree debris at multiple locations in Forest Park.