Tucked into the heart of St. Louis County lies the Gravois Creek Conservation Area—a serene, three-acre triangle of land with untapped potential. What was once an overgrown and litter-strewn patch is transforming into a haven of natural beauty and community connection, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Community Stewardship Alliance (CSA) and its ambassadors, Erin Gross and Besa Schweitzer.

For the past two years, Besa has involved at the forefront of efforts to reclaim and restore this hidden gem. “When we first started, the area was almost unrecognizable as a conservation space,” she recalls. “It was buried under invasive plants like honeysuckle, winter creeper, and burning bush. Add to that the litter brought in by every flood, and you could barely see what this land could become.”

In 2024, CSA volunteers focused their efforts on clearing 1.2 acres of invasive species and removing 2.4 cubic yards of litter. “It’s like peeling back the layers of a mystery,” Besa explains. “Once we clear one invasive species, we find others lurking beneath—thorny Japanese hops, creeping Charlie, even beefsteak and spilt grass. And the trash? It’s a never-ending battle, especially since we’re in a floodplain. But little by little, we’re making progress.”

That progress is becoming more evident with each passing season. The thick tangle of vegetation is giving way to open spaces where native plants can thrive. In 2024, CSA volunteers began planting native seeds and laying the groundwork for a new trail, a project made possible with support from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“Now, visitors can actually see through the area,” says Besa. “It’s becoming a place people can enjoy, not just a forgotten patch of land. And that’s the goal—to raise awareness, to show the public that this is a conservation area worth visiting and protecting.”

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of the project. Volunteers from all walks of life have come together to help clear invasives, pick up litter, and plant seeds.

“We’ve talked to so many people, and every conversation brings in more interest, more hands willing to help,” Besa shares. “It’s amazing to see how the community is rallying around this space.”

Looking ahead to 2025, the CSA has ambitious plans to further connect people with the land. One highlight is a Story Walk for kids, where a winding path through the conservation area will feature stops along the way, each presenting a chapter from nature-themed books. “It’s all about discovery,” Besa says with a smile. “We want kids and families to explore, learn, and fall in love with nature right here in their community.”

As Gravois Creek Conservation Area transforms, it’s not just the land that’s changing. The project is fostering a deeper connection between people and nature, turning a once-overlooked space into a cherished part of the community. “This place is special,” Besa says. “And it’s only getting better. Together, we’re uncovering its potential—one invasive plant, one piece of litter, one native seed at a time.”

Through themes of discovery and community awareness, the Gravois Creek Conservation Area is blossoming into a symbol of what’s possible when people come together with a shared vision for a better, greener future.