Forest Park is moving forward after last spring’s tornado, with crews and volunteers planting hundreds of young trees as part of a multi-year recovery effort. The May 16, 2025, storm damaged much of the park’s canopy, and the current plan calls for planting roughly 6,000 new trees over the next five years. A redesigned planting map will guide the effort, aiming to maintain visitor access while improving long-term ecological resilience.
A major volunteer effort in autumn 2025 gave the recovery an early boost. During the 26th annual Forest Restoration Day, volunteers and staff planted 883 saplings across the park’s nature reserve, Forest Park Forever reported. The trees represent 41 native species and are part of a plan to plant at least 2,400 trees over the next 12 months and roughly 6,000 over five years, including a mix of understory and canopy species to support wildlife both now and in the future.
Tornado Damage Still Shapes the Landscape
The replanting effort follows the EF3 tornado that struck the St. Louis area on May 16, 2025, damaging or destroying some of Forest Park’s familiar groves. A post-storm survey by NWS St. Louis mapped the tornado’s track and strength. Local reporting from St. Louis Public Radio estimated that about 3,000 trees were toppled or damaged beyond repair, creating noticeable gaps in the park’s iconic canopy.
Replanting With a New Playbook
City and park planners are not aiming to simply replace every fallen oak or elm. Instead, they are redesigning planting locations and species to prioritize climate resilience and park use. Conservation arborist Kendall Wachter and city officials said the plan emphasizes species suited to hotter, drier summers and clusters trees to enhance views and trail access.
Long Timeline, Hands-On Upkeep
City arborist Jason O’Malley estimates that roughly 6,000 trees will be planted over the next five years as part of the coordinated program. He noted that the forest will take decades to fully recover, telling KSDK that it could be about 100 years before it resembles its pre-tornado state. Crews will be responsible for watering, pruning, and general care while the young trees remain vulnerable.
How Neighbors Can Join the Comeback
To maintain the planting schedule, Forest Park Forever and the City are seeking volunteer participation and financial support. The conservancy is organizing volunteer workdays, accepting donations for tornado restoration, and coordinating with city crews to ensure the new trees survive their critical early years, according to Forest Park Forever.
