Go Green

In an urban environment, it can be sometimes difficult to remember the beauty of nature, the feeling of dirt between your fingers, the smell of fresh air, the sounds of wildlife scampering through the brush. But these things are some of the simple joys of life! If you need help jogging your memory, get to the Urban Bird Corridor for some outdoor good times. This area in University City is home to creatures of all sizes, and you can help plant native vegetation that the wildlife will appreciate from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 5. Just meet at Brittany Woods Middle School (8125 Groby Road), and start planting! Afterward head over to the Green Center (8025 Blackberry Avenue, University City), which is heading up the morning’s restoration plant, for a little more nature — indoors, this time. The center hosts the opening for Missouri Natives: Birds, Bugs and Blooms, a photography exhibit by Becky Joseph. The reception runs from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and the show remains up through Thursday, May 1; call 314-725-8314 or visit www.thegreencenter.org for more information. Now, U. City isn’t the only community getting in on the greening: Des Peres opens Phantom Forest and Bittersweet Woods (off Barrett Station Road north of Dougherty Ferry Road) on Saturday, with an egg hunt (Easter lives on!), a tree-planting ceremony, free saplings and more! Plus, at the Lodge (1050 Des Peres Road, Des Peres) post-park-opening, you can check out birds from the World Bird Sanctuary and a live band. This tree-mendous fun happens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free. To learn more, call 314-835-6150.
Sat., April 5, 2008