In October 2023, Missouri Conservation Corps held its second annual native planting using trees and shrubs from Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. This year we selected an area on the east side of the park, just south of the Talbert Thurston parking lot. Our volunteer tree planters included community members, Mizzou students, members of Alpha Phi Omega, members of Hickman Biology Club, Mizzou Silver Wings, and Cub Scouts from Pack 700.
Thanks to Forest ReLeaf and its CommuniTree program, we planted 24 native trees and shrubs including hazelnut, chinquapin oak, grey dogwood, nine bark, witch hazel, and white oak. Thanks also go to Ann Koenig at the Missouri Department of Conservation for helping to facilitate local delivery of the trees to the MDC offices in Columbia.
During our tree planting event we also hosted a free tree giveaway featuring silky dogwoods grown by Columbia area Grow Native member Troy Cox at Sunrise Gardens Nursery. Volunteers were instructed in how to plant and care for their new native tree, and after the planting we enjoyed pizza and camaraderie on a pleasant autumn afternoon in one of Columbia’s most scenic urban parks. Thanks also to the incredibly talented local photographer Rebecca Allen for taking some amazing photos during our event!
