Webster Groves advisory commission outlines plans to grow Arbor Day attendance, signage and volunteer outreach

The Webster Groves Green Space Advisory Commission on May 20 reviewed this year’s Arbor Day activities, agreed to new outreach steps to recruit volunteers and discussed ways to publicize tree‑steward recognitions.

Jamie Kleckner, chair of the Green Space Advisory Commission, opened the meeting and led a debrief of the April Arbor Day event. Commissioners praised the program’s turnout, the pavilion setup and the addition of a poetry element that drew younger participants.

“Everything you and your department did made it go so smoothly,” Kleckner said, thanking staff. Yvonne, the city’s park superintendent, told the commission some giveaway trees had arrived after the event and are available at the recreation center while supplies last; she said, “I think there's 25 of each.”

Members spent much of the discussion on how to translate event energy into ongoing volunteer support. Yvonne recommended using an existing volunteer sign‑up system, saying there should be “a really easy way to have a QR code that links to Greenkeepers, which is our volunteer sign‑up setup that we have with the city.” She said the Greenkeepers portal is hosted by the Deer Creek Watershed Alliance and that staff could coordinate a QR card with communications staff.

Commissioner Jim Rhodes cautioned that volunteer programs require staff oversight: “It involves significant amount of city staff time to actually manage those volunteers,” he said, urging careful planning on who will run sign‑ups and provide training.

Because plaques on in‑park trees are restricted by city policy, Yvonne proposed honoring tree stewards on the recreation center marquee instead. “It’s the city’s policy to plant the tree, and then the plaque goes on that marquee right outside the rec center,” she said, suggesting the marquee could list tree stewards and a plaque could be produced when funds allow.

The commission also discussed expanding the Arbor Day poetry contest and adding 2‑D art or photography categories to engage younger students. Commissioners proposed recruiting teacher‑judges and awarding multiple winners by grade band to increase participation.

Rory Robinson, speaking for the EcoEd subcommittee, outlined an upcoming Blackburn Park program to showcase volunteer work at the bird sanctuary and recruit helpers. Robinson said the event will be “May 20 at 7 p.m. at the main pavilion at Blackburn Park,” where lead volunteer Vince will present and lead a walk. Commissioners agreed to distribute flyers at libraries, schools and businesses, and to ask the Deer Creek Watershed Alliance to broaden digital outreach.

Staff updates included progress on watershed entrance signs; large mockups are in development (Deer Creek watershed signs were first), while smaller pedestrian/bridge signs are budgeted for the next fiscal year and could require contracting and county approval.

On routine business the commission approved the April meeting minutes by voice vote after a motion and second; no opposition was recorded.

The commission asked staff to pursue the QR/Greenkeepers idea, to check on marquee recognition logistics with the parks director and city communications, and to return with details at the next meeting. The commission will add nominations for annual officers (chair, vice chair and recording secretary) to the next agenda.