Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Schott

Chris hacking honeysuckle at a 2015 Deer Creek Park event.

The Open Space Council’s land & water conservation efforts are made possible by our amazing volunteers & members! In this post, we’re excited to spotlight Chris Schott! Chris has been part of the Open Space Council’s Operation Wild Lands program as well as Operation Clean Stream. Chris has been a leader with OSC’s invasive honeysuckle removal efforts as part of our public volunteer days and when we work with student groups. 

How did you become involved in the Open Space Council?

I first became involved with the Open Space Council when they recruited volunteers through the Saint Louis Volunteer Group on Meetup.com. I also volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House and the Humane Society of Missouri.

Chris working with students from the College School removing honeysuckle on the Al Foster Trail in 2019.

Why do you like being involved in local conservation efforts?

I’m glad to contribute to conserving our watershed areas. It feels like a worthwhile use of my time. It is gratifying to see how much we accomplish at an event, whether it is clearing invasive honeysuckle, removing trash, or laying a trail for a new park.

What is your favorite open space in the St. Louis Region?

Now that I live in the Shaw neighborhood, my favorite park is the one closest to me, Tower Grove Park. It was founded in 1868 with land donated by Henry Shaw who established the Missouri Botanical Garden. It’s great for biking and hosts some wonderful events like the Festival of Nations.