In any thriving community, trees and green spaces are more than just scenery—they’re essential infrastructure. They clean the air, cool homes and streets, reduce energy bills, make neighborhoods more beautiful and inviting, and support healthier families.
That’s why Beyond Housing’s Forestry and Community Conservation team works year-round to grow a greener, more resilient 24:1 Community. As you’ll see from the following highlights, the 2024-2025 fiscal year was especially productive.
Regional Stewardship Across the 24:1
Over the past year, our team partnered with 15 municipalities and local organizations utilizing the Missouri’s Community Conservation Cost Share Program. Together, we:
- Planted 580+ trees
- Pruned 240 existing trees
- Removed 226 hazardous trees
- Distributed free native trees to residents, with support and follow-up care
In addition, we installed 340 native plants and restored nearly 10 acres of green space, replacing invasive species with native grasses and wildflowers. Our full-time stewardship team now manages over 14 acres of transforming land—from forgotten woodlands to vacant lots—into thriving habitats and living classrooms.
These efforts were made possible through collaboration with the following municipalities and organizations: Bel-Nor, Bel-Ridge, Hanley Hills, Normandy, Northwoods, Norwood Court, Pagedale, Pasadena Hills, Pasadena Park, Pine Lawn, Velda Village Hills, Vinita Park, Greenwood Cemetery Preservation Association, Core Collective of St. Vincent, University of Missouri–St. Louis, and Great Rivers Greenway.
Growing Future Stewards: 24:1 Arbor Day
At this year’s Arbor Day celebration in St. Vincent Park, 48 Lucas Crossing Middle School students planted trees, tackled invasive species, and climbed into the canopy with the help of professional arborists. It was a hands-on day of learning designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Thirteen 24:1 municipalities—each designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation—joined the celebration. The day was capped by Wellston’s proclamation read by City Administrator Janice Trigg, taking the first step to becoming the 14th Tree City in the region.
This event was made possible by a broad coalition of partners, including Normandy Schools Collaborative, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Vertical Voyages, Missouri Department of Conservation, and many others.
A Unified Effort: Greenwood Cemetery & Hillsdale Cleanup
In March, more than 80 volunteers came together to clean up Historic Greenwood Cemetery and the City of Hillsdale, removing 10 tons of debris and shredding 415 illegally dumped tires. This was one of many grassroots cleanups we led over the past year partnering with Missouri Stream Team, removing over 25 tons of trash and 1,500 tires across the region.
Green Workforce and Capacity Building
To build communities’ internal capacity, we trained municipal staff in pesticide safety and invasive plant management, and worked with Employment Connection to teach proper tree planting techniques to 12 Green Workforce Development participants. We also partnered with Missouri Botanical Garden’s Out Youth Corps to help Greenwood Cemetery advance toward Level 1 Arboretum designation.
Regional Recognition and Leadership
Beyond Housing’s forestry and conservation work has been recognized on both a national and regional level. Our department was invited to present their work at the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry Society’s annual conference in Chicago, in addition to hosting and being a Keynote Speaker for the Missouri Botanical Gardens Shaw Winter Series in January.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this year—but more importantly, we’re inspired by the people, places, and partnerships that made it possible. As we move forward, Beyond Housing’s Forestry and Community Conservation team continue to create sustainable ecological assets that promote public health, climate change resiliency, storm water management, and environmental stewardship to enhance the quality of life for families in the 24:1 Community.
