Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, ecological diversity, and cultural significance. Spanning over 5,000 acres in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, this sprawling green space offers endless opportunities for exploration, education, and conservation. Each year, the park hosts a special event known as “What’s Out There Weekend,” a celebration of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. This event includes guided tours, educational programs, and hands-on activities designed to connect visitors with the wonders of Forest Park. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes this weekend so special, with a focus on the park’s flora, conservation efforts, and the unique experiences that await visitors.

What is “What’s Out There Weekend”?

“What’s Out There Weekend” is an annual event that invites visitors to explore Forest Park through a series of guided tours, workshops, and interactive activities. Organized by the Forest Park Conservancy in collaboration with local environmental organizations, the event aims to raise awareness about the park’s natural and cultural resources while fostering a sense of stewardship among visitors.

The weekend typically features a variety of programs, including:

• Guided Nature Walks: Expert-led tours that focus on the park’s flora, fauna, and ecological processes.
• Tree Identification Workshops: Hands-on sessions that teach participants how to identify different tree species.
• Conservation Demonstrations: Interactive exhibits that highlight the park’s ongoing conservation efforts.
• Medicinal Plant Talks: Educational sessions that explore the traditional and modern uses of medicinal plants found in the park.
• Rare & Endangered Flora Tours: Specialized tours that showcase the park’s rare and endangered plant species.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a first-time visitor, “What’s Out There Weekend” offers something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the highlights of this event and what you can expect during your visit.

Exploring Forest Park’s Flora: A Seasonal Showcase

Forest Park is home to a diverse array of plant species, from towering trees to delicate wildflowers. The park’s flora changes with the seasons, and “What’s Out There Weekend” provides a unique opportunity to witness these transformations up close.

Seasonal Flora Changes

One of the most striking features of Forest Park is its seasonal flora. Depending on the time of year, visitors can experience the vibrant blooms of spring, the lush greenery of summer, the fiery hues of fall, or the stark beauty of winter. During “What’s Out There Weekend,” guided tours often focus on the seasonal changes that define the park’s landscape.

• Spring: Spring is a time of renewal in Forest Park, as dormant plants awaken from their winter slumber. Wildflowers such as trilliums, bloodroots, and Virginia bluebells carpet the forest floor, while trees like dogwoods and redbuds burst into bloom.
• Summer: Summer brings a lush, green canopy to the park, with trees like oaks, maples, and hickories providing shade and shelter for wildlife. This is also the season for prairie grasses and wildflowers, which thrive in the park’s open meadows.
• Fall: Fall is perhaps the most visually stunning season in Forest Park, as the leaves of deciduous trees transform into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. Sugar maples, red oaks, and sassafras trees are particularly noteworthy for their vibrant fall foliage.
• Winter: While winter may seem like a quiet time in the park, it offers its own unique beauty. Evergreen trees like pines and spruces provide a splash of color against the snowy landscape, while the bare branches of deciduous trees reveal intricate patterns and textures.

Tree Identification: A Key Focus

Tree identification is a central theme of “What’s Out There Weekend,” and for good reason. Forest Park is home to over 200 species of trees, each with its own unique characteristics. Guided tours and workshops during the event provide participants with the tools and knowledge needed to identify these trees.

Some of the most common tree species in Forest Park include:

• Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Known for its brilliant fall foliage and sweet sap, which is used to make maple syrup.
• White Oak (Quercus alba): A majestic tree with deeply lobed leaves and acorns that provide food for wildlife.
• Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera): Named for its tulip-shaped flowers, this tree is one of the tallest in the park.
• American Beech (Fagus grandifolia): Recognizable by its smooth, gray bark and golden bronze fall foliage.
• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum): Known for its aromatic roots and mitten-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of orange and red in the fall.

During the weekend, participants can join tree identification walks led by expert naturalists, who will teach them how to recognize different species based on their leaves, bark, and overall structure. These walks are not only educational but also a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the park’s biodiversity.

Forest Conservation: Protecting a Natural Treasure

Forest Park is more than just a beautiful green space; it’s a vital ecosystem that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. However, like many urban forests, it faces numerous challenges, including habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. “What’s Out There Weekend” shines a spotlight on the park’s conservation efforts and encourages visitors to get involved.

Invasive Species Management

Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to Forest Park’s ecosystem. Plants like Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, and bush honeysuckle can outcompete native species, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the natural balance of the forest. During “What’s Out There Weekend,” visitors can learn about the park’s efforts to control these invasive species through hands-on demonstrations and workshops.

• Identification and Removal: Participants can join guided walks that focus on identifying invasive plants and learning how to remove them safely and effectively.
• Restoration Projects: The weekend often includes volunteer opportunities to help restore native habitats by planting native species and removing invasive plants.

Wildlife Habitat Preservation

Forest Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from songbirds and squirrels to deer and foxes. Protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat is a key focus of the park’s conservation efforts. During “What’s Out There Weekend,” visitors can learn about the importance of preserving these habitats and how they can help.

• Birdwatching Tours: Guided birdwatching tours are a popular activity during the weekend, offering participants the chance to spot migratory birds and learn about their habitat needs.
• Bat Box Installation: Bats play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, and the park has installed bat boxes to provide them with roosting sites. Visitors can learn about these efforts and even help install new boxes.

Climate Change Resilience

Climate change poses a significant threat to urban forests like Forest Park, affecting everything from tree health to water availability. “What’s Out There Weekend” includes educational programs that explore the impacts of climate change on the park and what can be done to build resilience.

• Tree Planting Initiatives: Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change, and the weekend often includes tree-planting activities for visitors of all ages.
• Water Conservation Workshops: These workshops teach participants how to conserve water and protect the park’s streams and wetlands, which are vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Medicinal Plants: A Living Pharmacy

Forest Park is not only a haven for wildlife and a showcase of natural beauty but also a living pharmacy. Many of the plants found in the park have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and “What’s Out There Weekend” offers a unique opportunity to explore their uses and benefits.

Notable Medicinal Plants

• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa): Used to treat menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms.
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Commonly used to boost the immune system and fight off colds and flu.
• Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Valued for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with stress.

During the weekend, visitors can join guided walks that focus on medicinal plants, learning how to identify them and understand their traditional and modern uses. These walks are led by experts in ethnobotany and herbal medicine, providing a fascinating glimpse into the healing power of plants.

Rare & Endangered Flora: Protecting the Park’s Gems

Forest Park is home to several rare and endangered plant species, making it a critical area for conservation efforts. “What’s Out There Weekend” includes specialized tours that showcase these plants and highlight the importance of protecting them.

Notable Rare & Endangered Plants

• Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis): Threatened by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid.
• American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Overharvested and at risk due to habitat loss.
• Showy Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium reginae): A rare orchid protected under state and federal laws.

These tours provide a rare opportunity to see these plants up close and learn about the efforts being made to protect them. Visitors can also learn how to support conservation initiatives, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness.

Conclusion: A Weekend to Remember

“What’s Out There Weekend” is more than just an event; it’s an invitation to connect with nature, learn about the importance of conservation, and discover the wonders of Forest Park. Whether you’re exploring the park’s flora, participating in a tree identification workshop, or learning about medicinal plants, the weekend offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this natural treasure.

So mark your calendar, grab your hiking boots, and join us for “What’s Out There Weekend.” The park is waiting, and its secrets are yours to discover. Together, we can ensure that Forest Park remains a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for generations to come.