Improvements Coming to Kennedy Forest — Visitor Access May Be Temporarily Restricted

Visitors will have limited or restricted access to Kennedy Forest as improvements are made.

In fall 2015, Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis began making a series of strategic improvements in the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest. This included removing exotic, undesirable, overgrown and invasive plant species and excessive downed wood material, while increasing native oak and hickory tree health and density and woodland grass and wildflower populations. These improvements have helped restore native habitats, enhance the experience of visitors and wildlife and ensure a healthier forest for the decades ahead. 

Beginning now and continuing into early 2017, Kennedy Forest will again be the site of continued strategic improvements and care. During this time, visitor access to Kennedy Forest will be limited or restricted to ensure a safe and productive work site. Trail closure signs have already been placed in some areas. 

This work includes: 

• Improved Trail System: Resurfacing, resealing 2 miles of paths, improving trail intersections and Increasing visitor safety and enjoyment. (This work has been supported by a State of Missouri Recreational Trails Program grant and donors to Forest Park Forever)
• Vernal Pond Repair: Repairing a leak, adding new plantings and improving habitat for wildlife. (The Kennedy Woods Advisory Group and Forest Park Forever have attracted donations to support this work.)
• Improved Forest Health: Removing invasive and exotic species, increasing native tree health and density and restoring native habitat for wildlife. (This work has been supported by the Mysun Charitable Foundation, the Missouri Department of Conservation and donors to Forest Park Forever.)

Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis are thankful to the supporters who are making these improvements possible, as well as Park visitors for their patience while this important work is being completed.