This year, our EcoCrew events will include a citizen science component using the iNaturalist platform. This is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature and help people identify the plants and animals around them. We’ll start tracking all the cool wildlife that we observe in our native landscape areas. This will provide important research data for scientists who are working to better understand and protect nature.South Grand EcoCrew Volunteers
Do you love the outdoors? Have an interest in gardening and enjoy meeting new people? If so, then joining the South Grand EcoCrew could be the opportunity for you!
The South Grand Community Improvement District is seeking energetic and dedicated volunteers to steward the landscape areas located along South Grand from Arsenal to Utah. Volunteers will help with planting, weeding, mulching and trash pickup as needed. Prior experience is not required but enthusiasm is a must! Please register below to volunteer.
2021 South Grand EcoCrew Schedule
All events will be held from 9 AM – 12 PM unless otherwise indicated.
Free parking for volunteers is available in the parking lot located at 3500 Hartford Street.
Volunteers will also check-in at the Hartford Street parking lot.
Monday, March 22
Landscape Cleanup Day
Cut back vegetation at Ritz Park, Hartford Street parking lot & tree wells in the EcoCrew Corridor
Mulch native beds located throughout the South Grand Business District.
Saturday, April 24
Beautification Day
South Grand neighborhood trash cleanup event from 9 – 11 AM with the Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association, Compton Heights, Compton Hill Reservoir Square, and Tower Grove East Neighborhood Associations. This event is also supported by earthday365 through their donation of Earth Day Action Kits for everyone that volunteers with us.
Volunteers will meet at the Hartford Street parking lot. We’ll provide gloves, trash bags, and maps with cleanup locations at check-in.
This event coincides with the Confluence Trash Bash Activities that will be held April 17 – 24. Additional details found here: greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash
Our litter cleanup event also supports the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative which engages community science volunteers to track land-based plastics using a Marine Debris Tracker mobile app to catalog plastic waste that will end up in the river. This is in collaboration with the Mississippi Rivers Cities and Towns Initiative, United Nations Environment Programme, National Geographic Society, and the University of Georgia to get a snapshot of plastic waste in St. Paul, MN, St. Louis, MO, and Baton Rouge, LA.
Monday, May 3
Stewardship Day
Mulch, weed, water & litter pick-up of EcoCrew Corridor
Coincides with City Nature Challenge April 30 – May 3
Saturday, June 5
Stewardship Day
Weed, water & litter pick-up of EcoCrew Corridor
Monday, July 12
Stewardship Day
Weed, water and litter pick-up of EcoCrew Corridor
Monday, August 9
Stewardship Day
Weed, water and litter pick-up EcoCrew Corridor
Saturday, September 11
Stewardship Day
Weed, water and litter pick-up of EcoCrew Corridor
Friday, October 1
Stewardship & Planting Day
Event will be held from 1 – 4 PM
Weed, water and litter pick-up of EcoCrew Corridor & plant select native beds that are located throughout the South Grand Business District
Saturday, November 6
Beautification Day
Litter cleanup of South Grand Business District
Monday, December 6
Landscape Cleanup Day
Cut back dead vegetation in the native beds located throughout the South Grand Business District
All volunteers must complete a waiver prior to volunteering with us. The waiver can be downloaded here for adults and here for minors. Please download, print and fill out the form, then bring it with you to the event. Blank waiver forms will also be available at each volunteer event.
Advance registration for each volunteer event is requested, but not required. This will help us get a head count for how much food and tools we need to have on hand.
