Honeysuckle Removal on the Meramec Greenway

“The work you all did during the first stage of the honeysuckle eradication really changed the character [on the Meramec Greenway] and made it look much better. I just wanted to say thank you.” – Joe Vujnich Director of Planning & Parks, City of Wildwood

On October 9th, 2019 23 students from the College School’s 7th Grade Environmental Issues class joined the Open Space Council on the Meramec Greenway – Al Foster Trail to remove invasive honeysuckle. On October 12th and November 2nd, members of the community came out to continue the project and make it farther down the trail. Volunteers worked to clear nearly 2 acres of invasive bush honeysuckle between the trail and riverbank, adding to a 10+acre effort that OSC volunteers have worked towards over the past two years.

The removal of this invasive plant improves wildlife habitat and creates a better environment along the Greenway for trail users like cyclists, hikers and dogwalkers. Visitors can now see the mighty Meramec River from the trail along sections where thick honeysuckle was cleared!

The Open Space Council thanks our partners on these events! The event was sponsored in part by Open Space Council members, Great Rivers Greenway, St. Louis County Parks, Missouri State Parks, the City of Wildwood and Missouri American Water.

 Photos by Caitlin Zera, Jason O’Malley, and Glenn Meyer