Tucked away as an extension of Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, the Little Creve Coeur Ecological Area (LCCEA) tells a compelling story of transformation. Once farmland, then soccer and baseball fields, this land is now a haven for birds, wildlife, and nature enthusiasts alike. The journey back to its natural roots has been marked by determination, collaboration, and a shared vision to restore what was lost.

When the Page Extension (Highway 364) was constructed, an opportunity arose to return this land to its historical wetland state. The City of Maryland Heights, St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Department, and the Missouri Department of Transportation worked together to reimagine the area. Today, the Community Stewardship Alliance (CSA) plays a vital role in its ongoing revival. "Our focus here has been habitat restoration and increasing biodiversity," says Andy Clubb, who has served as a CSA Ambassador for LCCEA since 2023. "It's incredible to see how far we've come in just two years."

In 2024, the CSA program made significant strides, clearing 2.8 acres of invasive species like honeysuckle, callery pear trees, winter creeper, and Phragmites a towering grass that looms over the wetland's shoreline. "Honeysuckle and Phragmites are tough adversaries," Andy admits. "But every time we clear a patch, we're giving native plants and wildlife a chance to thrive again."

Tree planting has also been a cornerstone of the restoration effort, with 80 native trees added to the area this year alone. The Great Rivers Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalist program has been instrumental in these efforts, adopting LCCEA as a capstone project and providing a steady stream of enthusiastic volunteers. "Our honeysuckle hacks and tree planting events are always popular," Andy says. "We usually have about 12 volunteers per event, and their dedication has made a world of difference."

Beyond invasive species removal and tree planting, the CSA team has embarked on projects that connect the community to the ecological treasure of LCCEA. One such effort is the restoration of an old wooden bird blind, a joint project involving CSA Ambassadors like Tom Kibby and Michael Meredith, as well as the St. Louis Audubon Society. "It's exciting to see the bird blind come back to life," Andy shares. "It's a symbol of what we're doing here-bringing the land back to its natural state while inviting people to engage with it."

Looking ahead, the team has ambitious plans to transform the old barrel bam, once a concession stand for soccer and baseball games, into an environmental education building. "It's about giving this land a new purpose, one that honors its history while focusing on the future," Andy explains.

As native plants reclaim the land and birds return to the wetland, the impact of these efforts is visible to all who visit. The area's revival is not just ecological but also symbolic-a testament to the power of community and the possibility of returning what was once shaped by human use back to nature. "Every time I'm out here, I'm reminded of what this place used to be and what it's becoming," Andy reflects. "It's a privilege to be part of this transformation. We're not just restoring land; we're creating a legacy of connection between people and nature."

The Little Creve Coeur Ecological Area now stands as a beacon of hope and renewal, a revived wetland that tells the story of what can be accomplished when people come together with a shared purpose. Through the tireless efforts of the CSA, volunteers, and partners, this patch of land is thriving once again, proving that even after years of human use, nature's resilience can shine through.