ForestKeeper Workshops
Fall 2025 Opportunities
Upcoming Classes
Puxico, MO 63960
(573) 222-3589
Those bright pink redbud blossoms aren’t just the beautiful herald of spring—they’re delicious!
Discover how to easily identify redbud trees and learn how their edible flowers can be used fresh or made into jelly and simple syrup. This program is not only interactive and perfect all-ages, it’s a great way to celebrate one of spring’s sweetest surprises!
Come join us to sample the flavors of spring!
13002 Bellefontaine Road
Saint Louis, MO 63138
Experience the natural wonders of Fort Belle Fontaine County Park while hiking through a variety of habitats and searching for early sights and sounds of spring. Walk past the upland prairie leading down to views of the Missouri River and the historic Grand Staircase. Along the way we’ll look for ephemerals such as Dutchman’s breeches and spring beauty as well as new growth and buds on native trees and bushes.
Location:
St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA
2360 Hwy D
Saint Charles, MO 63304
(636) 441-4554
Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is one of the most common and recognizable trees in Missouri’s forests. Not only do many wildlife species rely on shagbark hickory, but people use hickory for wood, smoking meats, eating the savory nuts, and making bark syrup. Participants will learn how to identify shagbark hickory trees on a short hike on the Fallen Oak Trail. After, we will discuss the process of turning the bark into tasty syrup while enjoying some freshly made syrup with pancakes.
Park Lane
Caruthersville, MO 63830
(573) 333-2142
Landowner Workshops and Events
Greenley Research Center
64399 Greenley Place
Novelty, MO 63460
Panels include:
- Herbicide Strategies for Invasive Plant Species, Food Plots, and Aquatic Weeds
- Favorable Food Plot Forage Species and Basic Agronimics
- Hunting LEases, Fee Fishing, and Hunting Land Liability Insurance
- Food Plot Design and Layout
- Deer, Turkey, and Fish Habitat Management
- Wildlife Desirable Tree Species
- Habitat Manipulation for Deer and Turkey
- Fish Species Selection and Pond Habitat Management
- Soil and Fertility Management Basics
- Planter and Sprayer Calibration: In Field Live Demonstration and Discussion
- Thermal Imagery Uses for Wildlife Management and Recovery: In Field Live Demonstration and Discussion
0000
New Florence, MO 63363
Native Tree Sales and Giveaways
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
1401 NW Park Rd
Blue Springsl Mo 64015
(816) 228-3766
Our popular NatureScaping event is back for 2026! At this free workshop, you will learn how to beautify your landscape with some of Missouri’s best natural resources: native plants! There will be educational sessions and information booths on native trees, composting practices, gardening for wildlife, and many more. Plus, we will have a native plant sale so registered participants can purchase plants and use their new knowledge to start native gardens at home.
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
1401 NW Park Rd
Blue Springs Mo 64015
(816) 228-3766
Visitors to Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center may select a seedling (concordia oak or paw paw) to plant in their own yard to celebrate Missouri Arbor Day. One seedling per family or group available, while supplies last.
Location:
Multiple locationsThe Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), in partnership with the Missouri Community Forestry Council, Magnificent Missouri, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery, the Missouri Prairie Foundation, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, will host a Callery pear “buyback” program at 23 locations around the state on April 21. On this date, citizens who register with a photo of a cut down Callery pear tree from their property will receive a free native tree. Registration for the Callery Pear Buyback event is open from March 16 through April 16. To register, participants choose a native tree and submit a photo of the cut-down Callery pear tree. One free, non-invasive, native tree will be given to registered participants at the selected location on the day of the event, April 21, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
1401 NW Park Rd
Blue Springsl Mo 64015
(816) 228-3766
Visitors to Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center may select a seedling (deciduous holly or service berry) to plant in their own yard to celebrate Earth Day. One tree per family or group available, while supplies last.
Location:
MDC Northwest Regional Office
701 James McCarthy Dr.
Saint Joseph, Mo 64507
(816) 271-3100
Join us for the 2026 Annual Arbor Day Event. We will be handing out 2 trees per family with the Loess Hills Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalist and St. Joe woodworking guild present.
Species include: Bald Cypress, Black Walnut, Cottonwood Cuttings, Deciduous Holly, Kentucky Coffeetree, Mixed Hickory, Norway Spruce, Pin Oak, Pitch Loblolly Pine, Silky Dogwood, Silver Maple, and Wild Plum
The guild and naturalist groups both will have tables and a small nature hike at 11:00 a.m. will be available for participants (weather permitting) and we ask that people wear proper footwear if planning to hike.
Smokey the bear will be present with other information about MDC and services we provide.
City Tree Planting and Stewardship
Location: This event will take place in the field next to the Sunset Greenway trailhead parking lot.
Celebrate the Sunset Giveaway by helping plant native trees for future shade, beauty, and habitat on Saturday, March 28th from 9AM to 12PM!
This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with nature and make a positive impact on our community as we celebrate the Sunset Greenway and all it has to offer. Don’t miss out on this chance to contribute improving biodiversity and native habitat in Florissant! Mark your calendars and join us for a day of planting and camaraderie.
Tree giveaway from 12:00PM to 1:00PM!
Forest ReLeaf is teaming up with State Farm to provide free Missouri native trees for yards! There will be 100 Missouri native trees available in the 3-gallon size. Registration is highly recommended to secure your species of choice. Any unclaimed trees after the event time has concluded are made available to anyone, including walk-ups and prior registrants on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Location: Forest ReLeaf of Missouri Nursery and Arboretum
2194 Creve Coeur Mill
St. Louis, MO 63146
Springtime is potting season- help us meet our goal of 20,000 tree seedlings planted!
Each year Forest ReLeaf pots over 20,000 bare root seedlings in preparation for distribution to tree planting projects across the state of Missouri in the spring and fall. This is made possible through volunteer efforts!
Helping hands of all ages are welcomed to the nursery to help make sure these young trees get planted properly. Potting days begin with a tour of the nursery and a quick overview of the process, and ample opportunities for breaks. We’ll provide gloves, training, and snacks.
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 12:30 pm – 3:00pm
Location: O’Fallon Park
1955 Adelaide Ave, St. Louis, MO 63147
O’Fallon Park, once known for its mature trees and rolling hills, was hit hard by the May 16 tornado, and lost 350 trees in the storm. Replanting in O’Fallon Park represents an essential layer of the broader recovery effort, restoring environmental infrastructure and community pride in a historic and culturally significant space. In partnership with residents and local organizations, we will plant 350 trees on Saturday, 4/11, from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM with a record number of participants – and could use your help!
Location: Scott Joplin House
2658 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103
Celebrate Earth Day with Forest ReLeaf! Join us to pot 600 baby trees that will become future canopy in St. Louis communities!
Each year Forest ReLeaf pots over 20,000 bare root seedlings in preparation for distribution to tree planting projects across the state of Missouri in the spring and fall. This is made possible through volunteer efforts! Helping hands of all ages are welcomed at our satellite nursery – the future City Tree Farm – located next to the Scott Joplin House in St. Louis City.
To celebrate Earth Day, we will give away some fun prizes! Tours of the Scott Joplin House will be available and highly encouraged!