ST. LOUIS — In celebration of National Public Lands Day, there will be free events taking place at the Gateway Arch Saturday, Sept. 24.
The National Park Service and the Gateway Arch Park Found have teamed up to host a variety of events to recognize the importance of green spaces in the community.
The events are a Mississippi River cleanup, a “MonArch” migration event, a yoga class under the Arch, and B.A.R.K. ranger dog activities. It is also a fee-free day for visitors and they will receive $3 off adult Tram Ride and Documentary movie tickets, according to a press release.
“It has become increasingly apparent over the past few years just how important outdoor spaces are to our mental, physical and emotional health,” said Pam Sanfilippo, program manager, Museum Services and Interpretation, Gateway Arch National Park.
“The Arch grounds are a place for everyone to enjoy – whether it’s to practice yoga, see butterflies migrating, or play fetch with your four-legged best friend. Join us on National Public Lands Day to experience firsthand the incredible spaces here at the park.”
National Public Lands Day is one of the nation’s largest one-day volunteer event for public lands, according to the press release, and the public is welcomed to participate in a Missouri River cleanup on the St. Louis Riverfront.
“Just like the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River is one of our community’s most defining features, and we are committed to keeping the riverfront clean and welcoming for our residents and out-of-town visitors,” said Camille Brooks, director of programming and events, Gateway Arch Park Foundation.
“The Mississippi River is one of the largest sources of oceanic plastic debris, so we invite the whole community to help us keep litter out of the river and subsequently, out of our oceans.”
Below is a list and description of the events as stated in the press release:
Recruit friends and family to help clean up the St. Louis Riverfront! This event is organized by Gateway Arch National Park, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Beyond Plastics and Living Lands & Waters, and volunteers can choose between two shifts. All volunteers will receive materials needed to stay safe during the cleanup and be entered to win a drawing for prizes from partners. Interested volunteers should register online at archpark.volunteerhub.com.
Just Breathe Yoga Session Under the Arch: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Join The Collective STL for Just Breathe, a free, all-levels yoga session under the north leg of the Gateway Arch. Attendees should register online. Please bring a mat, towel and water.
Head to the Explorer’s Garden, located in the park’s North Gateway (near Laclede’s Landing and the Eads Bridge), to learn about the endangered monarch butterfly and its patterns, and native plants. Discussions will include invasive and native plant species, as well as urban ecology.
Put your paws up for the dog-friendly Gateway Arch National Park! Bring your furry friend to the park for special B.A.R.K. Ranger activities. (B.A.R.K. stands for: Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go.)
From 2-5 p.m., stop by the B.A.R.K. Ranger table in the Arch west entrance plaza to find out how your pup can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger. At 3 p.m., join Australian shepherd Molly and chocolate lab Leila, 2022 B.A.R.K. superintendents, for a ranger-led walk-through Gateway Arch National Park. Walk attendees should meet at the B.A.R.K. Ranger table west entrance plaza.
NPS has designated National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 24 a fee-free day, in which the entrance fee at all NPS sites is waived. At Gateway Arch National Park, the $3 entrance fee included in each adult Tram Ride to the Top ticket and adult Documentary Movie ticket is waived.
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