Nestled within the expansive 2,114-acre landscape of Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, Mallard Lake offers a serene escape for visitors. But behind the scenes, it’s also the site of a quiet yet determined battle—a restoration effort led by the Community Stewardship Alliance (CSA) and its dedicated ambassadors, including Michael Meredith.

Since the inception of the CSA program, Michael has been a driving force in reclaiming five acres of the park from invasive species and revitalizing its native ecosystem. “It’s a long-term effort, but the progress we’ve made over the years is incredible,” Michael says.

The focus has been multifaceted, beginning with the removal of invasive species like honeysuckle and callery pear trees. Honeysuckle removal efforts have centered on two key areas: one near the Lakehouse Bar and Grill and another between the Creve Coeur Soccer Complex and Mallard Lake. “Honeysuckle is relentless,” Michael explains. “You clear some out, and it feels like more pops up right behind it. But every area we reclaim is a victory—it creates more open space for native plants and trees to thrive.”

Tree planting has also been a cornerstone of the CSA’s efforts. Since 2021, the program has introduced hundreds of native trees to the park, including swamp oak, swamp chestnut, pecan trees, bald cypress, river birch, and sweet gum. “In 2024 alone, we planted 150 trees,” Michael shares. “The stretch along Creve Coeur Mill Road near the soccer park is going to look incredible. Instead of just turf, it’ll be a vibrant mix of native trees that enhance the landscape and support local wildlife.”

Another significant effort has been the maintenance of a pollinator garden near Mallard Lake. Originally established by the St. Louis Audubon Society in 2015, the garden came under the care of the CSA program in 2021. “We’ve worked hard to introduce more native plants and maintain a healthy mix of flowers,” Michael says. “It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a haven for pollinators that are essential to the park’s ecosystem.”

In collaboration with Confluence Trash Bash, CSA volunteers have also removed four cubic yards of trash from the park, further enhancing its beauty and usability. “Every piece of trash we pick up, every invasive plant we remove, it all adds up,” Michael says. “We’re not just maintaining the park—we’re improving it, bit by bit.”

The CSA’s footprint has steadily expanded over time, with efforts reaching into the nearby Little Creve Coeur Ecological Area. “Working alongside other ambassadors and programs has been incredibly rewarding,” Michael notes. “It’s a reminder that these efforts aren’t isolated—they’re part of a larger movement to restore and protect our natural spaces.”

For Michael and the CSA team, the work at Mallard Lake is about more than clearing invasives or planting trees. It’s a commitment to the future. “Every tree we plant, every flower we introduce, it’s an investment in this park’s ecosystem,” Michael says. “We’re creating a space that future generations can enjoy—a space that reflects the beauty and diversity of native Missouri landscapes.”

As the CSA continues its efforts, the transformation of Mallard Lake and its surrounding areas serves as a testament to the power of persistence, community collaboration, and a dedication to restoring nature’s balance. It’s a story of constant improvement, where every step forward is a victory in the journey to bring native plants and trees back into the heart of Creve Coeur Lake Park.