Community Invited to Help Reforest O’Fallon Park After Devastating Tornado

The City of St. Louis Forestry Division and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, in partnership with the O’Fallon Community Development Organization, Great Rivers Greenway, and Black Healers Collective, are calling on the community to come together for a large-scale
volunteer tree planting event at O’Fallon Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026, rain or shine.

Following the May 16, 2025 tornado that destroyed more than 5,000 trees across St. Louis, including 350 in O’Fallon Park, this event represents a major step in the city’s long-term recovery and reforestation efforts.

“We plan to replant in every tornado-damaged park and invest in partnerships that help those trees thrive,” said St. Louis Forestry Commissioner Alan Jankowski.

Over 100 of the expected 250 volunteers have already signed up to plant the 350 new trees, helping rebuild canopy, restore beauty, and support long-term environmental health in
surrounding neighborhoods.

“This is about more than planting trees,” said Meridith Perkins, Executive Director of Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. “It’s about collectively investing in a space that belongs to the community
and building a future that is cooler, healthier, and welcoming for generations to come.”

The event will begin with a grounding ceremony led by Black Healers Collective, honoring the community’s resilience and setting intention for renewal and growth.

Event Details:
Location: O’Fallon Park Boathouse, 2001 E Harris Ave, St. Louis, MO 63107
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
12:30 PM: Volunteer check-in
12:50 PM: Welcome and grounding ceremony
Activities: Tree planting and mulching

Who Can Participate: Individuals, families, and groups of all ages
Volunteers are encouraged to register in advance at www.moreleaf.org/events.

Urban tree canopy plays a critical role in improving public health, reducing urban heat, managing stormwater, and enhancing neighborhood livability. Replanting efforts like this are especially important in historically under-canopied communities, where tree loss is felt most acutely.

This planting is part of Forest ReLeaf’s broader commitment to disaster recovery and equitable canopy restoration through programs like ReLeaf St. Louis and Priority ReLeaf.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmental leader, Wangari Maathai, teaches that “when we plant trees, we plant seeds of peace and seeds of hope.” This event is an opportunity for St.
Louis residents to do exactly that; and do it together.

About Forest ReLeaf of Missouri
Through the power of people and partnerships, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri is building a resilient tree canopy across the state by growing and planting trees that support healthy people, healthy habitats, and a healthy planet. Since 1993, the organization has supported the planting of more than 270,000 trees.

Learn more at www.moreleaf.org.