St. Louis Park honors 2025 Junior Naturalists for summer service at Westwood Hills

Mayor Anne Mohammed and the St. Louis Park City Council on Aug. 18 recognized the city’s 2025 Junior Naturalists from Westwood Hills Nature Center for their summer volunteer work. The recognition took place during the council’s regular meeting; Westwood Hills staff described the volunteers’ contributions and presented the group to council members and attending families. Becky (staff member, Westwood Hills Nature Center) told the council the volunteers come to Westwood “from a variety of experiences and backgrounds” and described them as “flexible, mature, and eager.” Aaron (staff member, Westwood Hills Nature Center) said returning volunteers “have been the foundation of not just the Junior Naturalist program, but the entire nature center community.” City staff and presenters said the 44 volunteers together “helped serve over 500 youth and contributed over 1500 hours of service.” The council and mayor offered brief remarks of thanks and encouragement; one councilor said giving time to serve the community “is one of the most important things you can do.” The council’s remarks emphasized gratitude to families, program staff and the volunteers themselves. Names of the 2025 Junior Naturalists were read aloud at the meeting, and families were invited to come forward for photos as each youth crossed the front of the council chamber. The recognition was ceremonial; no formal action or ordinance was required. The city’s parks and recreation staff continue to operate the Westwood Hills Nature Center programs, and council members encouraged the volunteers to continue community service in the future.