Forest Park Forever Appoints Amy Witt as Our New Park Ecologist
Forest Park Forever is very pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Witt as Park Ecologist for Forest Park Forever. Witt, who for more than four years served as Nature Reserve Steward for the organization, will lead our fantastic Nature Reserve team and manage our conservation efforts in partnership with the City of St. Louis.
“I look forward to Amy’s leadership providing a continuation of strong management practices and environmental stewardship that will benefit the community, both now and in the future.”
During her four-plus years on staff, Witt has greatly advanced the organization’s initiatives within the Nature Reserve, from on-the-ground land management to education with the public, including her monthly Beginner Bird Walks and beyond.
In her previous role, Witt focused on Kennedy Forest, Kennedy Savanna and Wildlife Island — the sections of the Nature Reserve on the Park's west side. Consisting of nearly 170 acres, the Nature Reserve contains native old-growth forest habitat, restored forests and woodlands, tall grass prairies, savannas, wetlands and two linear miles of reconstructed river system. The Nature Reserve includes areas of the Park that have been intentionally set aside for conservation, ensuring healthy habitats for a wide variety and flora and fauna. This focus on environmental sustainability reflects Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis' intention of keeping Forest Park a healthy and diverse ecosystem now and forever.
“I am proud of the work our team has done improving the Park’s Nature Reserve system over the last four years, and I look forward to continuing this important work in my new role as Park Ecologist.”
Witt joined the Forest Park Forever team in October of 2012. She moved from Olympia, WA, where she was working with riparian and forest habitat restoration and endangered and protected wildlife species. Originally from Ohio, Witt has been working with land management and wildlife across the U.S. since she graduated with a B.S. in Biology at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC. She eventually came to the conclusion that the availability and health of habitats were key to both human and wildlife, and she is proud to be able to conserve and manage part of Forest Park's natural areas. With her many years of experience in the environmental field, she is happy to continue learning and educating in her role at Forest Park Forever.