By Don Corrigan
The May 16 St. Louis tornado resulted in 5 deaths, dozens of injuries, as many as 4,000 destroyed physical structures and as many as 5,000 lost or damaged trees. In Forest Park alone, tree loss estimates exceed 1,200.
The deadly tornado formed in the afternoon and track northeastward on a 23-mile path through north St. Louis City into Granite City and Edwardsville. The EF3 tornado reached peak strength in North St. Louis City with winds topping at 152 mph.
“Whether you were directly impacted by the recent tornado, supporting friends and family, or simply feeling the weight of helplessness in the face of this devastation, the reality of regional storms is hard to accept,” said Meredith McAvoy Perkins of Forest ReLeaf.
Complete restoration of the tree canopy will literally require decades. Neighborhoods in the Central West End, Clayton, and Skinker DeBaliviere saw dozens of trees uprooted and leveled.
Damage at Forest Park was especially heavy. The damage at the park’s John F. Kenedy Memorial Forest, is especially disconcerting for tree lovers in St. Louis. Trees in the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course were also extensively damaged.
Perkins’ organization members have been grieving the tremendous loss of trees. Tree maintenance companies believe they will be working to cut down and clear out severely damaged trees in the St. Louis area for at least six months.
“At Forest ReLeaf, our staff is responding both personally and also professionally,” said Perkins. “While many of the young trees we’ve planted in affected areas survived, it will take decades to replace the mature canopy that was lost. Many more trees will need to be planted.”
McAvoy said that in recent weeks, Forest ReLeaf has focused on people’s immediate needs: supporting cleanup efforts, connecting residents with resources, and listening closely so as to respond in the most meaningful way.
“Storms and trees tell a complicated story,” said McAvoy. “The damage from fallen trees is real, and the trauma that follows can be heavy and prolonged.
“Nevertheless, we are already witnessing something remarkable,” added Perkins. “People choosing to replant as an act of healing, resilience, and belief in the future.”
Perkins said “Priority ReLeaf Plantings” will begin in October and continue for years to come. CommuniTree reservations open July 9th, offering free trees for public and nonprofit planting projects.
Seasonal Tree Giveaways are being planned to support replanting on private property. More information is available at <info@moreleaf.org>.
Environmental Echo 