The River des Peres Watershed Coalition invites everyone-citizens, civic and municipal leaders, agency personnel-who is interested in the River des Peres and its tributaries to take part in our planning forums, river clean up, and restoration activities.
At our first gathering, which was attended by over 50 representatives from educational institutions, government entities, environmental organizations, and the general public, we discussed the critical issues that the community believes are affecting the River des Peres. Our second meeting in March was held at the Heman Park Community Center and included a short “field trip” to the river which flows just behind the center. Our next planning meeting will be held May 27, also at Heman Park Community Center.
In March we also held a successful river clean up on the reach of the River Des Peres near the intersection of Mona and Groby. About 25 participants met at the river to pick up litter from the stream and remove bush honeysuckle from the banks. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped remove about seven cubic yards of trash (including three shopping carts).
The River des Peres faces several problems, including water quality, hydrology, public awareness, and habitat quality. Please join us at the May 27th meeting.
The River des Peres Watershed Coalition was formed in 2002 to advocate for the protection and restoration of the St. Louis area’s largest watershed. Encompassing the 114-square-mile area drained by the River des Peres and its many tributaries (Gravois, Deer, Black, and Engelholm Creeks, among others), the River des Peres watershed takes in much of St. Louis city, University City, Pagedale, Clayton, Richmond Heights, Webster Groves, Ladue, and 36 other municipalities.
For more on the Coalition, please visit www.riverdesperes.org. Also you may contact Danelle Haake at riverdesperes@gmail.com for further information about the forum series, or about the issues facing the River des Peres.