Saint Louis Zoo North Campus Education Programming

Community Engagement and Participatory Research Report 2019-2020

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for We especially thank our collaborators and partners at the Community their assistance with this project. From providing advice, to sharing food, Innovation and Action Center and MU Extension, University of Missouri – and to hosting us in your spaces, we appreciate your thoughtfulness and St. Louis. None of this would have been possible without your expertise, enthusiasm! guidance and passion. • A Red Circle (Erica Williams) • Saint Louis Zoo staff and Karl Guenther, Dwayne T. James, Claire Rippel, Dr. Paul Evensen, Paul • Creative Reaction Lab (Antionette volunteers (especially Dr. Jeffrey Sorenson, Dr. Mark Tranel, Aaron Neal, Austin Dial, Meera Muthukrishnan, Carroll and Ted Gatlin, formerly) Bonner, Michael Macek, Dr. Jo- Tasnim Haq and Lakeisha Griffin Elle Mogerman, Billy Brennan, • Christ Covenant Church Martha Fisher, Dr. Ed Spevak, Dr. (Pastor Paul Macharia) Finally, we thank the many thousands of north St. Louis County residents Kayla Cranston (formerly), Becca who collaborated with us, provided support and information, and showed • Christian Hospital Northeast Harrison, Kaitlyn Forks, Erin Tate, (Rebecca Niebruegge) Brittany Neier, Rebecca McMiller, us genuine friendship. We are forever grateful and can’t wait to continue • Division of Youth Services Greg Linton, Laura Seger, Kimberly working with you! (Carlos Newberry) Hoormann, Hannah Petri, Jill Most sincerely, • Ferguson Community Center (David Gordon, Michelle Prokopf, Chris Musgrave and Jeffrey Blume) Blair, Mary Brong, Sgt. William Saint Louis Zoo staff: Poates and Michael Radcliffe) • Ferguson Community Empowerment Amy Niedbalski, Director, Dr. David Githinji, Research Associate/ Center (Cynthia Wilson) • St. Ann Catholic Church (Jose Conservation Audience Research AmeriCorps VISTA Azurdia) • Division of Youth Services and Evaluation Daria Keys, Research Associate/ (Carlos Newberry) • St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Louise Bradshaw, Fred Saigh Director AmeriCorps VISTA (Reverend Johnny L. Greer) • Ferguson Farmers’ Market of Education Julia Thorne, Research Associate/ (Mary Haux) • Spanish Lake Community Jaclyn Johnson, Assistant Director – AmeriCorps VISTA Association (Julie Griffith) • Ferguson-Florissant STEAM Education Quinton Ward, Research Associate/ Academy Middle School (Terry • Spanish Lake Community AmeriCorps VISTA O’Neil and Dr. Joseph Davis) Development Corporation (Angela Pinex and Lottie Wade) • Greater North County Chamber of Commerce (Venus Martz) • Spanish Lake Community Policing Officers (Officer Monte Chambers) • Hazelwood School District (Dr. Matt McClellan) • St. Louis Archdiocese (Dr. F. Javier Orozco) • Jennings High School (Dr. Rhonda Key and Dr. Miranda Ming) • St. Louis County Libraries (Gina Sheridan) • Mission: St. Louis (Katie Bench and Danielle Nygaard) • St. Louis MetroMarket (Lucas Signorelli) • North County Inc. (Rebecca Zoll) • Tabernacle of Praise – Spanish Lake • Old Jamestown Association (Linda Weaver) (Ellen Lutzow) • Twillman House (Lottie Wade) • Riverview Gardens Senior High School (Darius Kirk and • Vitendo4Africa (Geoffrey Soyiantet) Tiandra Bland) Saint Louis Zoo

Located on 90 acres in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is home to more than 600 species of animals, many of them rare and endangered. It is one of the few free zoos in the nation. The Zoo annually attracts 3 million visitors, who can see more than 17,000 wild animals— not including the thousands of leafcutter ants and butterflies at the Zoo. Since its inception in 1910, the Zoo has been renowned for its beautiful naturalistic exhibits and for its diverse collection of animals from the major continents and biomes of the world. It is widely recognized for its innovative approaches to animal management, wildlife conservation, research and education. Through the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute, the Zoo focuses on wildlife management and recovery, conservation science, and support of the human populations that coexist with wildlife in 17 conservation hotspots around the globe, including three in Missouri. The Zoo today has changed tremendously since its start 100 years ago, yet the original mission has remained the same throughout all those changes. It is a place where families can come to enjoy a unique and wonderful experience with animals; where the opportunities to learn about and appreciate wild things in wild places grow every day; and where Zoo staff are committed not only to providing the best care for all of the Zoo’s animals, but to taking the mission “beyond the fence” to protect and preserve wildlife everywhere. The Saint Louis Zoo currently employs over 1,200 people and, according to the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, has an economic impact of over $200 million to the St. Louis region. Saint Louis Zoo North Campus

What? Why? How? In September 2018, using privately donated Due to the demise of many endangered species On November 6, 2018, St. Louis County voters funds, the Saint Louis Zoo Association in the wild, the Saint Louis Zoo does not approved a one-eighth of 1 percent sales tax purchased a 425-acre complex in north have sufficient space to manage animals for increase for the Zoo(Proposition Z). Thanks to St. Louis County for $7.1 million. assurance populations into the future. voters’ support of this measure, the Zoo has the The property, which was owned by the The property in north St. Louis County will resources to operate and develop the Plumbers’ and Pipefitters’ Welfare Educational allow the Zoo to have large groups of animals Saint Louis Zoo North Campus, as well as Fund, is now under the possession of the Zoo and space for breeding. Zoo staff is currently address the century-old infrastructure at the Association as part of its long-range plan to help working with other accredited zoos around the Saint Louis Zoo. Thank you—we are excited for the Zoo’s mission to conserve animals. world to best ascertain the timing and needs to the future and are filled with gratitude for the “With this announcement, we’re one step closer develop such a large-scale operation. support for the Zoo from the community! to preserving the world-class Saint Louis Zoo for Another exciting aspect to the Saint Louis generations to come while continuing to provide Zoo North Campus is the ability and space to the best possible care for thousands of animals,” offer the hands-on, educational experiences said Joseph T. Ambrose, Immediate Past that only nature can provide. In fact, the Zoo is President of the Saint Louis Zoo Association, in currently undertaking an extensive study within 2018. “We’re very excited to expand the Zoo’s the surrounding north St. Louis community to footprint into St. Louis County. This new campus ensure the kinds of experiences that are offered will help the Zoo grow its conservation efforts will be developed to serve the neighboring while also expanding our educational programs areas. The purpose of this report is to share for children and offering new and exciting public the activities and results of this community attractions for local audiences and tourists.” engagement and research effort. Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D., Dana Brown President & Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Louis Zoo, said, “At the new campus, we plan to have a Conservation and Animal Science Center dedicated to sustaining endangered and threatened species as well as a public component with attractions that connect people with nature and animals.” Land Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge that the Saint Louis Zoo North Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Osage Nation and the Illini Confederacy. The process of knowing and acknowledging the ground beneath our feet is a way of honoring and expressing gratitude for the people on this land before us. It familiarizes visitors with the cultures and histories of Missouri’s indigenous tribes, as well as with their ties in the St. Louis region. We honor our heritage of Native peoples and what they teach us about stewardship of the Earth.

Ecological Significance

The Saint Louis Zoo North Prior to the Pipefitter Union uses, invasive species, including hawk, great-crested flycatcher, Campus is located on a rise which included a golf course Amur honeysuckle and Sericea summer tanager, red-eyed vireo, above the wetlands, bottomland (mid-1990s), a swimming pool, lespedeza. tiger salamander, small-mouthed hardwood forests and cropland bath houses and union facilities Even with the current conditions, salamander, ornate box turtle, that make up the floodplain at (1970s), the area was primarily the site is home to a wide variety northern fence lizard, five-lined the confluence of the Missouri agricultural land, farmsteads and of native plants and animals. skink, broad-headed skink, flat- and Mississippi Rivers, which access roads dating back to the Some of the animals recently headed snake, and rough earth make up the largest river 1930s. This campus currently seen include: wild turkey, white- snake. system in North America. includes forest, old fields, a tailed deer, eastern gray squirrel, The site has soil types golf course, multiple ponds and bald eagle, osprey, coyote, and remnant woodland an extensive area of sinkholes, skunk, raccoon, Canada goose, characteristics of hills bordering which is typical of this part of indigo bunting, red-headed the Missouri and Mississippi north St. Louis County. Due to woodpecker, eastern bluebird, Rivers as they make the the various past uses of the land, northern bobwhite, eastern northeastern corner of much of the forest is degraded wood pewee, broad-winged the Ozarks. and many areas show extensive Community of Spanish Lake (1798 to today) Plumbers’ and Pipefitters’ Local 562

In 1798, the oldest recorded Twillman Elementary School is part The property, near the confluence the plumbing and pipefitting home—the Chitworth-Prigge log of the Hazelwood School District of the Missouri and Mississippi industry. This also was the place cabin—was built in Spanish Lake, and houses grades K-6. There Rivers, includes land that was where families would gather after five years before the Louisiana are five Hazelwood schools in also occupied by Emerald Greens work and on weekends, keeping Purchase (1803). This also the Spanish Lake/Belle Fontaine Golf Course. The Plumbers’ and the tradition of brotherhood preceded the famous Lewis and area, as well as two Catholic Pipefitters’ Local 562 had owned alive in Local 562. Local 562 is Clark Corps of Discovery expedition schools. The present-day home the property for nearly 50 years, honored to sell this property to (1804 to 1806). The expedition of the Spanish Lake Community and it had been used primarily as an organization that brings added spent time at Fort Belle Fontaine Association—The Twillman House— a training facility and relaxation value to the community,” he added. in Spanish Lake, which was built was constructed in 1870, where space for member families. A pool “We are confident the property is in 1805. It is said that the name three generations of Twillmans on the property closed in the early being left in good hands, and we Spanish Lake refers to the Spanish lived before they sold it. The ’90s, and an auditorium and other wish the new owners continued governor of Upper Louisiana who home became the Meadowlark buildings were used for dances success in the future.” built his home here. Spanish Lake Restaurant and later the Old and weddings. Local 562 also announced it was a farming community, and Homestead Restaurant, until it “As Plumbers’ and Pipefitters’ was moving its headquarters not a “village” or “town” like the was bought by the Spanish Lake Local 562 leaves a nearly 50-year and training center to Earth City. neighboring areas of Florissant Community Association. Suburban legacy behind, we look forward to The union is currently renovating and Ferguson. The 1830s to 1860s development of Spanish Lake grew enhancing our training program for the former ITT Technical Institute brought more European settlers to after World War II. The large farms generations to come,” John O’Mara, at 3640 Corporate Trail for its the area after whom some of the in Spanish Lake made it easier Local 562 Business Manager/ offices and health center and Spanish Lake streets are named: for developers to purchase one Secretary-Treasurer, stated in a will build a new training Trampe, Poggemoeller, Larimore, piece of property for development, press release. “Since the late center on land it bought at Prigge, Parker, Twillman and rather than assembling a number 1960s, this site has been the home 3772 Corporate Center Drive. Strodtman, to name a few. of smaller plots. of hardworking skilled craftsmen in In 1850, the Twillman School was constructed and has grown substantially over the years. Today, North Campus Location

NORTH CAMPUS

FLORISSANT SPANISH LAKE

FERGUSON

St. Louis County

St. Louis City

ST. LOUIS CITY

CLAYTON

SAINT LOUIS ZOO Saint Louis Zoo Education Programming

The Saint Louis Zoo’s educational Zoo, there is an opportunity to services are an integral part of weave conservation education the institution’s commitment to programming into and across conservation. Since the 1960s, the the different areas and activities Zoo has offered engaging programs, of the Saint Louis Zoo North exhibits and materials that educate Campus. While north St. Louis our community about wildlife, County residents do participate in help visitors feel more connected educational programming at the to animals, and motivate them Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park, their to take action to preserve the proximity to the North Campus natural world. Tens of thousands of suggests untapped opportunity schoolchildren and adults attend for educational offerings closer to the Zoo’s classroom presentations, home. Before solidifying plans for tours, and overnight and outreach educational program development programs each school year. Visitors at and around the North Campus, find opportunities to learn in the Zoo chose to engage area every corner of the campus, from residents in a participatory Goals for this educational signs and interactives research process to identify which project included: to encounters with theatrical educational programs the Zoo • to design relevant conservation interpreters. And of course, just could offer that would add the education programming to offer watching our animals is an most value to their community. at and around the North Campus; educational experience unto itself. Information from this research • to increase the ability of north process is presented in this report Just like at the Saint Louis St. Louis County residents and will be used inform the plan and agencies to engage in for educational programming at community-based, participatory The mission of the the North Campus. planning; Saint Louis Zoo Education Department is • to motivate residents’ long-term participation in these programs; to work in partnership with and local and global communities • to strengthen and expand the to provide educational Zoo’s relationship with long-term opportunities and experiences partners/collaborators. that nurture compassion for animals and our shared world in order to empower conservation action. University of Missouri-St. Louis Community Innovation The Community Innovation and Action Center/University of Missouri Extension and Action Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis The Saint Louis Zoo chose the more fully respect and engage Per CIAC, “Project collaborators envisions a region that creates Community Innovation and Action those who are most affected by an have an enduring commitment Center (CIAC) at the University of institution’s actions, resources and to the residents and communities whole communities for all. Missouri-St. Louis as a consultant strategic direction. The planning of north St. Louis County. Communities where residents for this project, as they had project connected residents, The Saint Louis Zoo’s purchase reach their full potential to a wealth of experience and educators and community leaders of a campus in north St. Louis live happy and healthy lives. connections with north St. Louis with decision-making at the reflects the organization’s overall Communities where neighbors County residents and community Saint Louis Zoo in a way that will commitment to the region and to build meaningful connections leaders. They also proposed that create community ownership and north St. Louis County residents, in and where all are engaged in the majority of the funds allotted increased use of future educational particular. The Zoo has expressed for this project would go back programming. its desire to hire locally, build on decision-making. Communities into the community through the local assets, and to partner in that promote equity, enjoy form of incentives for resident the design and implementation quality housing and economic participation in the process. CIAC of programming. It is the intent of opportunity, benefit from wanted to collaborate with the both institutions to be an integral effective education, invest Zoo to provide an example of and valued resource to area in sustainable energy and how our region’s institutions can residents.” efficient transportation, and feature vibrant public spaces.

Karl Guenther Dwayne T. James Claire Rippel Dr. Paul Evensen AmeriCorps - Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)

in Service to America) members that its “members serve as a investment in north Mission: St. Louis to contribute to this project catalyst for change, living and St. Louis County, presented in support of recruitment for working alongside community a unique and powerful Simply put, our mission formal research opportunities members to meet our nation’s opportunity to co-develop a is to empower people with the Community Innovation most pressing challenges and community asset with residents to transform their and Action Center (CIAC), and to advance local solutions.” and other stakeholders. It was lives, families and develop and build relationships The VISTAs serving this important to the project staff with community members that the four VISTAs who were neighborhoods. initiative worked with the as part of a longer-term community to identify how a selected to work on the project engagement effort for the Zoo. regional institution can have were either from, or currently The Saint Louis Zoo was The collaboration between the the most educational impact lived in or worked in, the graciously provided funding Zoo, CIAC and the AmeriCorps given the local community’s community in which the effort by Mission: St. Louis for four VISTA program made sense. assets and opportunities. This would take place. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers The VISTA website states effort, catalyzed by the Zoo’s

AmeriCorps VISTA members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest—to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTAs

Daria Keys, Pine Lawn/Fenton Quinton Ward, Spanish Lake David Githinji, Florissant Julia Thorne, St. Charles “I came into the AmeriCorps VISTA “I am born and raised in Spanish “I was born in the central highlands “I am originally from South Africa program not knowing what to Lake, and I studied fine art with of Kenya, relocated to the United and have been living in St. Louis expect, but I was excited to take an emphasis in graphic design. States in 2010 and settled in for four years. I studied psychology on whatever came my way. This The Saint Louis Zoo choosing to Florissant in north St. Louis County. and public health in university and project has given me life on be a neighbor in Spanish Lake I joined Washington University began this project during my last capacity building and community has created a very personal and Saint Louis University for semester at school. This work has engagement - essentially all things relationship to the project. graduate studies. My professional allowed me to put a lot of what I to make sure my work for north When this location opens to the background is in community learned in my classes into tangible St. Louis County is phenomenal public, I know I’ll have played education and policy work. I also work in the community. My vision and intentional. Plus, I’ve become a key role in developing the started working for Vitendo4Africa, is to see many other organizations friends with some cool senior campus that is going to help a North County community agency adopt this participatory approach citizens.” improve my neighborhood. This that empowers international youth when joining a community and project continues to show me living in St. Louis. Our international planning how to create relevant the importance of a collaborative youth living in St. Louis often visit and meaningful programs for decision-making process with the Zoo and have greatly benefited their neighbors. I hope to apply the people whom your work will from the educational programs this process and all I have learned impact.” provided there. It is during one of through this job to projects focused these visits that I got interested in on maternal and child health in working for the Zoo. My vision is developing countries.” to have a neighborhood where the community lives in harmony with threatened habitats and wildlife. Asante sana (Thanks).”

Research Timeline

2018 2019 2020

November 2018 January 2019 November 2019 to January 2020 Community Action and Innovation Center AmeriCorps VISTAs hired Data analysis and reporting at University of Missouri - St. Louis hired February 2019 February 2020 and ongoing December 2018 Initial community meetings and Development, implementation and Internal interviews and asset mapping introductions evaluation of pilot educational with Zoo staff and volunteers programming March to April 2019 Eight focus groups conducted with residents, teens, parents, etc.

May 2019 Two listening sessions held with community service providers, educators, etc.

June to August 2019 Survey recruitment and administration

September to October 2019 Two community mapping events held with residents

Attending community meetings/events Internal Meetings with Saint Louis Zoo Staff and Volunteers

Working with the Saint Louis Zoo’s what assets are already there, Human Resources department, it and who are the key community was determined that 22 percent partners and contacts that Zoo of current Zoo employees and staff should get to know. volunteers live in the north Additionally, 12 stakeholder St. Louis County area. Staff and interviews were conducted with volunteers were sent a general Zoo leadership who had potential announcement via the Zoo’s to have staff or programs at the internal communication system, new campus. This step was to and they were invited to participate inform Zoo leaders about the in a series of focus groups project, to understand if they regarding educational programs wanted to be involved, what and assets in north St. Louis questions they would like County. During three sessions, answered and what they hope for approximately 20 participants the North Campus. These were were informally asked about what also informal and were conducted having the Zoo in their community on a conversational basis to gather could mean for them, what types preliminary information. of programming they want to see, Community Introductions, Meetings and Events

were also instrumental in introducing and connecting the AmeriCorps VISTAs and Saint Louis Zoo staff to their contacts in north St. Louis County. Much of the work our team has been able to do is due to the goodwill of the community. Without the support and guidance from key community members, we would not have been able to connect and work with the large number of organizations and individuals that we The AmeriCorps VISTAs and have. Moving forward, Saint Louis Zoo team used two this means that the approaches to reach out to educational programming residents and organizations in at and around the north St. Louis County: previous Saint Louis Zoo North contacts and cold calling Campus will have been co- individuals/organizations designed with community identified in the internal meetings. members, educators and Team members had their own service providers, etc. individual contacts in the Based on the success of community before this project, so previous such efforts, it is that is where we began. From there, our hope this will create we were referred to other people, meaningful and relevant and we reached out to contacts we educational programming did not know but were informed to the north St. Louis about. Our contact list grew and community at and around snowballed. Staff at Community the new North Campus. Innovation and Action Center/ University of Missouri Extension Organizations Engaged

Organizations in which Saint Louis Zoo/AmeriCorps staff personally Kiwanis Club of Florissant Valley St Louis County Department of Public attended meeting(s)/events(s) and/or at least one individual from Kiwanis Club of Greater Spanish Lake Health St. Ann Community Center the organizations attended at least one of Saint Louis Zoo’s Lee Hamilton Elementary St. Ferdinand Catholic Parish and formal research events. Little Creek Nature Area Magellan Health School, Boy Scouts A Red Circle Community Action Agency Missouri Botanical Garden St. Louis Arc Agape Christian Center County Older Resident Programs Missouri Department of Conservation St. Louis Community College at Alzheimer’s Association Deer Valley Home Health Services Florissant Valley Missouri Families 4 Families AM Healthcare Department of Social Services St. Louis County Library Normandy High School Archdiocese of St. Louis Division of Youth Services St. Louis County Library-Natural Bridge Normandy Schools Collaborative Audubon Center at Riverlands EarthDance Organic Farm School St. Louis County Parks North County Chamber of Commerce Barnes-Jewish Extended Care Emerson Family YMCA St. Louis County Police Department North County Christian School Belle Children’s Services of St. Louis Arc Ferguson Community St. Louis Economic Development Empowerment Center North County Churches United for Racial Partnership Bellefontaine Neighbors Harmony and Justice Recreation Center Ferguson Farmer’s Market St. Louis MetroMarket North County Inc. Beyond Housing Ferguson Municipal Public Library St. Norbert School North County Recreation Complex Black Jack Fire Department Ferguson Youth Initiative St. Peter’s Lutheran Church North County Republicans Boy Scouts of America, Ferguson-Florissant School District Soup Kitchen Old Jamestown Association North Star District Ferguson-Florissant STEAM Academy St. Peter’s United Church of Christ By the WORD of His Power Middle School Our Redeemer Lutheran Church St. Vincent Home for Children Center for Youth on the Rise Council of St. Louis Pallottine Renewal Center Storman Academy Child Development Laboratory Center – First Missionary Baptist Church Paraquad Tabernacle of Praise St. Louis Community College Florissant Knights of Columbus Parents as Teachers The Center For Youth on the Rise Christ Covenant Church Florissant Rotary Club Phoenix Consults LLC The Community Impact Network Christ Light of the Nations Fountain of Worship Church Pleasant Hollow Homeowner’s The Little Bit Foundation Association Catholic School Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri The St. Louis Children’s Choirs Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital Christian Hospital Northeast Great Rivers Greenway Third Presbyterian Church Ready Readers Christian Methodist Episcopal GROW Spanish Lake Treehouse Wildlife Center St. Louis District River of Life Christian Ministries Hazelwood High Schools Twillman House Circle of Light Church Food Pantry Riverview Gardens School District Hazelwood School District University of Missouri - St. Louis City of Berkeley Sacred Heart Catholic School Heavenly Hearts Learning Center Urban Education Speakeasy City of Black Jack Seeds of Hope Farm Helping Hands Food Pantry Urban League City of Ferguson Shalom Church Preschool and Child Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church Vitendo4Africa City of Florissant Development Center Holy Trinity Catholic Parish Church Sight And Sound Impaired of St. Louis Vocational Skills Program-Special City of Hazelwood School District of St. Louis County Immanuel Worship Center Spanish Cove Apartments City of Pine Lawn Walker Scottish Rite Clinic, Maryville Islamic Center of Hazelwood Spanish Lake Community Association City of Spanish Lake Dar Aljalal Masjid University Spanish Lake Fire Protection District Clark-Fox Family Foundation Jamaa Birth Village Wyman Center Spanish Lake Youth & Family Council Coldwater Elementary (Hazelwood) Jennings High School Young at Heart Club, Holy Name of Jesus Coleman-Wright CME Church Special School District of Catholic Church Jennings School District St. Louis County Columbia Bottom Conservation Area Keeven Elementary Communication Materials

Saint Louis Zoo Education Overview

Survey Recruitment T-shirts: Quinton designed Saint Louis Zoo blue t-shirts that state: “Ask me about educational programming at the Saint Louis Zoo!” with the Zoo’s logo. Saint Louis Zoo staff and AmeriCorps VISTAs would wear these when out in the community for survey recruitment. Focus Groups

In total, eight focus groups were Two additional focus groups were research to find ways to reach as the Community and Innovation held for caregivers of different added to the research plan for many different demographics of Action Center/University of ages within north St. Louis caregivers who spoke an African people in north St. Louis County as Missouri Extension facilitated the County. The focus groups were language, and another for native possible. This was evident through six original focus groups. With split up between residents within Spanish speakers in order for more the formal research project. support from the AmeriCorps 5 miles of the North Campus and residents to be included and able The focus groups asked questions VISTAs and Saint Louis Zoo staff, residents outside of 5 miles of to take part in the process. Holding about educational programming, Dr. Javier Orozco (Archdiocese of the property, but still within north the focus groups exclusively in extracurricular activities, how St. Louis) facilitated the Spanish St. Louis County. Each participant their native languages meant that families spend their time, how language group and Geoffrey was given a $25 Visa gift card (per it was easier for the residents to they connect to nature, etc. in Soyiantet (Vitendo4Africa) household), and the Zoo provided feel comfortable attending the north St. Louis County. These focus facilitated the African immigrant child care and transportation focus groups and sharing their groups were used to help craft the group. assistance for participants as well, honest thoughts and answers. survey that would be fielded over as requested. Through this process, our team the summer months, and to start The age groups were broken down connected with the population of understanding emerging interests as caregivers for young children residents who have immigrated and/or concerns that were coming (0 to 6 years), caregivers of to the St. Louis region from other from the community. youth (7 to 12 years), caregivers parts of the world, of whom many do not speak English as their The eight focus groups included 72 of teenagers (13+ years), and a caregivers, teens and residents. All focus group for teens was held at first language.It was important for the sake of inclusion, reach were compensated for their time Riverview Gardens Senior and effort to participate. Staff at High School. and representativeness of this Listening Sessions

Two community listening sessions May 14, 2019 Listening First Round of Questions: Second Round of Questions: were held with educators and Session at Ferguson- Exploring Current Experience Exploring Existing Zoo- community service providers Florissant STEAM Academy Community Connections and in north St. Louis County in • When you hear from families May 2019. These sessions were • 36 participants and their children, what are they Opportunities/Challenges looking for? What issues are you modeled after “World Café” style • Table 1 (Religious Institutions), • What are the most important seeing? engagement events. The listening Table 2 and 3 (Nonprofit, educational categories for us to sessions had two rounds of Community Associations), Table • What are the current barriers for be involved in North County? questions. In the first round, 4 (Public Libraries), Table 5 kids and families to access their • What work have you done with people switched tables periodically (Government and K-12), and education opportunities? the Zoo before? and randomly to stimulate a Table 6 (Education) • What is working well in your comprehensive discussion and set • If you could partner with the Zoo, educational programming? what would you want to partner of answers. In the second round May 29, 2019 Listening of questions, people sat at tables • If you could strengthen on and how would you like to that grouped them by affiliation Session at Christian Hospital educational offerings and reduce partner? (nonprofit, education, government, on Dunn Road barriers to participation, what • How could that complement what religious institution, etc.) to better • 31 participants would you do? you already have? understand any differences by • Table 1 and 2 (Nonprofit), Table • What educational offerings are type of organization. In total, 67 3 (Government), Table 4, 5 and missing and what new offerings educators and community service 6 (K-12 and University), Table 7 could the Zoo offer? providers attended the listening (Religious Institutions), and Table sessions. Below are the dates of • How would you like for the Zoo to 8 (Public Libraries) each listening session and what show up in North County? the table affiliations were during • What perceived benefits or the second round of questions. barriers are there for partnering Listening sessions were facilitated with the Zoo? by staff of Community Innovation and Action Center and University of Missouri Extension, with assistance from AmeriCorps VISTAs and Saint Louis Zoo. Survey

engagement with residents who had already participated. North “You need to show up and be a County Inc. and the Greater North part of the neighborhood/community County Chamber of Commerce shared the survey link within their and get to know us first.” own networks. -Ferguson resident from the first focus group There were many versions of for caregivers of early childhood-aged children the survey, both online and in physical copies. The AmeriCorps VISTAs took the physical copies to community events and “hit the The quote above echoes what community festivals/events. We streets” to gather as many surveys many community members have also spent time following the St. as possible in the two-month stressed to us as we have asked Louis MetroMarket bus around the period it was open. The electronic how we can best show up and area and engaging with shoppers survey was only offered in English; be good neighbors in north St. as they entered or exited the bus. however, we did have Arabic Louis County. With this as our Two of our team members went and Spanish translations of the guidance, our team was inspired to the Florissant Food Truck Event, Initially, the Community Innovation physical surveys available. to think outside of the box and which is where we got the highest and Action Center team at the recruit for survey participants number of surveys from any one University of Missouri-St. Louis Survey respondents who chose from groups of people who may event, with 100+ people filling out sent out an email with the survey to leave their contact information be missed. Our team spent time a survey within one night. link to previous participants from on the survey were entered into a in soup kitchens, church events, listening sessions and focus drawing to win one of five $50 Visa apartment complexes and various groups. This was to continue our gift cards. Inclusive Recruitment

bus into a grocery store on wheels to bridge physical, financial and educational barriers in food deserts. Their goal is to increase the supply and demand for healthy foods in low-income and high- need communities. Division of Youth Services The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is responsible for the care and treatment of at-risk youth. We held a listening session with the DYS teens and asked how the Zoo Communities that speak Covenant Church. The focus could be a good neighbor and how English as a Second group was held at the offices of could we get the youth excited Vitendo4Africa in Hazelwood. This about the new possibilities of Language focus group attracted 12 youth North Campus. Carlos Newberry is North St. Louis County is home to and six adults from the Swahili- to thank for allowing the youth to several communities that speak speaking African immigrant engage in our work and give them English as a second language. community. a chance for their voices to be These include: Hispanics, The second focus group took place heard. Vietnamese, Arabs, and African in May and targeted the Hispanic immigrants who mostly speak St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; community, with recruitment St. Louis MetroMarket Swahili. It is estimated that about assistance from staff at the Helping Hands Food Pantry 10,000 African immigrants who We would like to thank Lucas Archdiocese of St Louis. The AmeriCorps VISTAs met the speak Swahili live in north St. Signorelli and staff of the St. Louis focus group was held at St. Ann residents where they were. While Louis County. The Saint Louis Zoo MetroMarket for partnering with Catholic Church in St. Ann. This waiting in line at the food pantry, decided to reach out directly to us. They helped us gain community focus group attracted three youth we asked the residents to fill out these communities to learn about input via onsite surveys to help and four adults from the Spanish- the survey and discussed what the their education priorities. This broaden our collaborative research speaking community. Special Zoo moving into the neighborhood was done by conducting two focus at Lewis and Clark Library and thanks goes to Geoffrey Soyiantet could bring as far as new groups targeting these specific Ferguson Empowerment Center. at Vitendo4Africa and Dr. Javier educational opportunities. Julie communities. The St. Louis MetroMarket is Orozco with the Archdiocese Griffith allowed us to come every a mobile farmers’ market that The first focus group took place of St. Louis for their assistance Thursday throughout the summer is restoring access to healthy, in April and targeted African facilitating these groups. affordable food to St. Louis city to conduct our survey recruitment. immigrants who speak Swahili, and county food deserts. They We wouldn’t have reached so many with recruitment assistance from have transformed a donated city people without her support. staff at Vitendo4Africa and Christ People Living with Apartments about educational programming (Ferguson, Hazelwood, Florissant at the Zoo, in order to reach some and Jamestown), and which areas Disabilities We noticed a large amount of residents with our survey that we we had not succeed in connecting apartment complexes around People living with disabilities otherwise might have missed. We with a representative amount the North Campus, as well as form a significant population of are deeply grateful to the Islamic of people (Kinloch, Black Jack, in other areas of north St. Louis the guests who visit the Saint Center of Hazelwood Dar Aljalal Wellston and Pagedale). County. With apartment complexes Louis Zoo every year and live Masjid leadership and the service- having high turnover at times, we With this information, our team in the St. Louis community. We goers who warmly welcomed wanted to make sure that “all geared the rest of our outreach purposefully invited people living us into their place of worship residents” includes renters, as well plan to focus on the geographic with disabilities in north St. Louis and spoke enthusiastically with as homeowners, to be involved in regions that were under- County to be involved in our our team about educational the co-design of new educational represented in our survey data. Our research efforts in order to learn programming in north St. Louis their education priorities. In order programming. We collaborated next actionable steps were to show to reach out to this community that with our community policing officer, up and have a bigger presence has an active presence at the Zoo, Officer Monte Chambers, who than we had up to that point in we sought the help of Chris Blair, invited us to an apartment complex Kinloch, Black Jack, Wellston and the Education Inclusion Specialist managers’ meeting to create Pagedale. We took advantage of at the Saint Louis Zoo. Chris strategies for us to work with back-to-school events that were directly contacted agencies that their residents. We were invited happening in the middle/end of provide services to people living to administer surveys at Spanish August all over north St. Louis with disabilities in the area. These Cove Apartments. County, and we had tables and include: provided activities at these events. Islamic Center of Hazelwood Doing this enabled us to engage • St. Louis Special School District Dar Aljalal Masjid with people and organizations we • Paraquad Through a friend, one of the had previously missed. We were • St. Louis Arc AmeriCorps VISTAs reached out to also able to continue a larger and the Islamic Center and was able ongoing goal, which was to be • Saint Elizabeth Adult Daycare to connect with their leadership present in the community and Center and set up two survey recruitment show up to be good neighbors. • Easterseals Midwest visits. Two AmeriCorps VISTAs County. • Community Action Agency of St. were invited to have tables by Louis County (CAASTLC) the Islamic Center entrances Municipalities with survey materials. They had By intentionally reaching out By the end of July and the physical copies of the survey in to the above organizations, beginning of August 2019, we English and in Arabic, as well as we were able to have people were able to see the demographics flyers with the link to the online living with disabilities and their of who we had reached in north survey. representatives participate in St. Louis County up to that point. our: focus groups, community We were excited to be invited a Through survey data, we were able listening sessions, and survey and second time to be at the Center identify which geographic areas community mapping events. before, during and after two in north St. Louis County were services to connect with attendees abundantly represented in the data Community Mapping Events

Two community mapping events were held in September and October 2019: one at the Saint Louis Zoo North Campus in Spanish Lake and the other at the Ferguson Community Center. At the Spanish Lake event, we continued to apply our learnings regarding inclusion in general, and inclusion in diversity of languages, into our approach. This event was held on the North Campus in the large auditorium. By holding our event on site, we were able to reach residents who reside in close proximity to the North Campus. We were also able to facilitate feelings of ownership over the Zoo and its programs within the community. To be sure we would have higher did this to support and use spaces three separate sticky notes and Nearly 100 participants were representation of residents from in the community with which we placed by a participant onto a very included at this event. the southern area of north St. Louis are collaborating. Approximately large map of north St. Louis County. County, we held a focus group at 50 residents attended this event. This was to show where those the Ferguson Community Center to At the mapping events, each assets were in the community meet residents where they live. We table had a list of six “buckets” - geographically. different types of educational As with the earlier focus groups, assets - and each table discussed participants received a $25 Visa and placed as many assets as they gift card (per household). Childcare could think of in each of the six and snacks were provided, and buckets. They then placed different transportation assistance was color stickers to each asset to offered. Again, the community indicate if they were: affordable mapping events sessions (red), accessible (blue) and/or were facilitated by staff of the green (diverse). Once all the assets Community Innovation and Action had been written down, the tables Center and University of Missouri were asked to decide on their Extension, with assistance from top three most crucial assets in AmeriCorps VISTAs and the which the Zoo needed to connect Saint Louis Zoo. or partner. These were written on Shamba Ya Kijiji (Community Garden) at Christ Covenant Church

North St. Louis County is home to nearly 10,000 immigrants from East Africa. This community, though low income, is vibrant and engages in a lot of outdoor activities that mainly include subsistence gardening. The community has an 11-acre property (3465 Shackelford Road, Florissant MO, 63031) which has a church, community center and land ideal to establish a community garden. The community values native foods that include varieties of white corn, tomatoes, cabbages, onions, pumpkins, beans and fruits that form part of their traditions. In order to build an enduring Pollinator Conservation partnered relationship with this community, with this community to create the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare an urban garden in June 2019. Institute Center for Native The immigrant community through Christ Covenant Church donated the land to establish the community garden and also provided the much-needed labor. The Saint Louis Zoo provided expertise on planting and attracting pollinators, as well learning center for other organized summer on unproductive activities. as finances to prepare the land community gardens, and such Shamba ya Kijiji is a unique space and buy seeds. Plants were also projects endear the Zoo as a good where neighbors and residents can donated by Greenscape Gardens. neighbor, provide food to needy come together to build community We feel that such a community families, build community, attract and grow food. This garden was initiative would serve as a pollinators and engage our youth an unexpected outcome of this who may otherwise spend their project. Connections to Youth Serving Organizations

Creative Reaction Lab We would like to thank the staff and young people at Creative Reaction Labs for their support in getting more young people represented by providing input to our survey. We would like to thank the youth, Antionette Carroll and staff of Creative Reaction Lab for allowing us to come and share what this participatory research Ferguson Youth Initiative process looks like with the youth and for completing surveys to We would like to thank the staff help broaden our collective reach. and young people at Ferguson Creative Reaction Lab educates, Youth Initiative (FYI) for their help trains and challenges Black and and support of our survey outreach Latinx youth to become leaders Outstanding Student Leadership whose activities are directed efforts, as well as for getting teens in designing healthy and racially Program provides training and toward empowering immigrant involved in the research process. equitable communities. FYI works to “create a collaboration recognition to youth in St. Louis communities through educational of all stakeholders in Ferguson, The Center for Youth on the County, assisting youth with and outreach programs. Missouri that demonstrates and Rise (Outstanding Student development of the skills they Vitendo4Africa aims to empower includes youth and young adults Leadership Conference) need to be effective leaders and immigrant youth to become citizens. One senior from each positive agents of change in in the values of responsibility and We would like to thank Heather accountability in a constructive county high school is nominated their families, in school and in Bond and the staff of The Center annually by his or her principal the society at large. The aims of community service program.” Our for Youth on the Rise for inviting team was able to connect with for participation in a leadership the mentorship program under and allowing us be a part of the conference and recognition Vitendo4Africa is to empower young leaders at FYI and connect programming for the Outstanding with more teens in north St. Louis ceremony. Kenyan immigrant youth with the Student Leadership Conference. information they need to navigate County. The support and kind Youth on the Rise offers youth Vitendo4Africa welcome from FYI contributed to the complex U.S. environment to ages 12 to 19 a variety of activities There is a growing population of 100+ teens being recorded in our be able to utilize their full potential and services at no cost, including immigrant populations within survey data. Intangibly, our team in life. The program also strives drop-in hours, life skills workshops, north St. Louis County, and we was able to make connections to inculcate a savings culture counseling services, educational found it important to listen to that will mean this important age among the youth so that they may support, employment preparation, the education priorities of this group’s feedback is included in secure their future. Thank you youth specialist case management important group. Vitendo4Africa decision-making. again to Geoffrey Soyiantet for his and legal assistance. The is a nonprofit organization assistance with recruitment to our research events.

Results

Three thematic areas surfaced from the data regarding educational opportunities residents want offered at and around the Saint Louis Zoo North Campus.

Program Process Pride

Program Current educational context: Educational opportunities of most interest if the area • Residents connect with educational programming at schools and (overall, not Zoo-specific) libraries. Field trips ...... 305 mentions • They spend time in outdoor activities and public spaces. Camp activities...... 246 mentions Residents want: • Accessible, affordable and diverse offerings across the lifespan Community events...... 246 mentions » Accessible: Reachable by different types of transit, timing of programming, usable by persons with disabilities, ability to move How current area education offerings could be improved around the location (overall, not Zoo-specific) » Affordable: Low-cost or no-cost offerings, payment options More communication about ...... 423 mentions » Diverse: Approachable by people with different learning styles, ages, disabilities, races, ethnicities, and native languages More interesting content...... 332 mentions • Job and volunteer focused educational programming Lower cost...... 324 mentions • Nature-based environmental education that uses the local community Current Saint Louis Zoo program offerings of most interest: Zoo tours...... 354 mentions Summer camp programs...... 309 mentions Teen volunteer programs...... 308 mentions Process Pride Residents want: Residents want: • Increased communications on offerings and community involvement in • Programming that is unique to north St. Louis County and that support pride in decision-making the region • For the Zoo to partner with organizations to develop offerings and communicate • High quality of physical property and programs; like the current Saint Louis Zoo how to partner Most mentioned current community assets Most mentioned potential community partners for Saint Louis Zoo North Campus (5 or more mentions) St. Louis County Parks ...... 23 mentions • St. Louis County Libraries • Hazelwood School District YMCA...... 21 mentions • University of Missouri – St. Louis Little Creek Nature Area ...... 19 mentions • Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts • Vitendo4Africa St. Louis Community Colleges...... 18 mentions • Audubon Center at Riverlands • Spanish Lake Community Association St. Louis County Libraries...... 17 mentions • Missouri Department of Conservation, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts...... 16 mentions Boys and Girls Club...... 15 mentions Columbia Bottom Conservation Area ... 15 mentions Urban League (including Save Our Sons/Save Our Sisters)...... 14 mentions University of Missouri – St. Louis (including Bridge/pre-collegiate programs, summer camps, Extension). 14 mentions Total Engagements Guiding principles/recommendations for Saint Louis Zoo North Campus Attendance • Form a structure for community • Support community needs through Community meetings/events 4,109 involvement in decision-making physical development • Develop complementary and/or • Develop marketing and Focus groups 74 partnered programming across ages communications that embrace north and priority interests St. Louis County and lift up area Listening sessions 67 • Form education and nonprofit assets partnerships around employment • Hire and buy local Survey 715 and volunteerism (heavy focus on teens) Mapping events 146 • Ensure quality of programming and physical property across both TOTAL ENGAGEMENTS 5,111 campuses Community and Partner Perspectives

“I am grateful for the opportunity I “I am very much looking forward “I’m amazed at the level of “The Saint Louis Zoo has come to had to be a part of this inclusive to seeing how the Saint Louis engagement the Saint Louis Zoo the north St. Louis County at the process that brought together Zoo North Campus will impact requested from the surrounding opportune time. The population of distinct voices and communities. I North County. I hope that, even North County communities. They foreign-born youth has continued remain hopeful that the priorities though you are winding up the went above and beyond, allowing to increase by the day. These young and directions identified will be a engagement process, you will still everyone to lend their voices and people require opportunities for source of positive transformation in communicate with members and lead conversations on what’s nature-based learning. The Saint our communities and the greater St. community leaders regarding the needed and wanted in their Louis Zoo, as our new neighbor, Louis region—¡Gracias!” design and implementation phases. community. Taking the time to will make use of the many nature- F. Javier Orozco, OFS, Ph.D. I also hope that the Zoo looks to build these relationships showed based resources in the area to train Executive Director engage North County residents their commitment to the community our youth to become conservation Human Dignity and Intercultural in any employment opportunities of Spanish Lake. I’m excited about ambassadors here in St. Louis Affairs during this phase – not just at the what’s to come and am happy our and back home in Africa. We are Archdiocese of St. Louis point of needing seasonal workers. new neighbor is committed to the very excited about this partnership As much as I personally love the lifelong learning of our residents.” opportunity that has come our Zoo and believe in its potential, our Angela Pinex, MFin way through the Saint Louis Zoo “I was not able to attend focus community has not had the best Executive Director in North County. Looking forward groups or listening sessions, but experience with development and Spanish Lake Community to working together to educate our as President of Old Jamestown community additions.” Development Corporation youth.” Association, I was keenly aware Erica R Williams, MBA Paul M. Macharia of the Zoo’s activities in our Executive Director Senior Pastor community. I was pleased to A Red Circle “This project solidified the amazing Christ Covenant Church be a small part in relaying work that is happening in the communications from the Saint North County community. To be Louis Zoo to our area residents. I able to be a part of project that will trust that the partnership formed not only uplift my neighborhood, through these initial activities will Spanish Lake, but also provide new grow over time. Our community experiences for North County. I look looks forward to building an forward to coming back once the even stronger bond with our new North Campus opens to see how all neighbors in Spanish Lake.” the hard work manifested itself.” Ellen Lutzow, JD Quinton Ward President Research Associate, Saint Louis Zoo The Old Jamestown Association AmeriCorps VISTA “North County Inc. leadership was “Working with the Saint Louis “We have been impressed with the “We are very excited that the Saint proud to collaborate with the Zoo on this project has been amount of time and dedication Louis Zoo has become our neighbor Saint Louis Zoo and their partners, inspiring and educational. I have that the Saint Louis Zoo has put in north St. Louis County. The University of Missouri-St. Louis enjoyed learning more about the in to communicating with the Zoo has for many years worked and MU Extension, to engage local educational programs offered by North County community. For the with Vitendo4Africa to prepare organizations and residents to the Zoo throughout the region and past year, four AmeriCorps VISTAs immigrant youth to become gain a greater understanding of getting to know the passionate (domestic PeaceCorps volunteers) conservation ambassadors here in community needs and wants. The staff who have worked tirelessly have been involved with learning St. Louis and back home in Africa. knowledge gained through this to implement the programming. It about the educational wants Now that the Zoo is our neighbor, very mindful public engagement has been inspirational to listen and needs of their North County we hope to see more outcomes process will result in desired to residents throughout North neighbors. We are pleased in the area of youth training and and impactful educational County about what they see that VISTA gets to be part of the economic growth in the region.” programming around the new being beneficial at the North Zoo’s North Campus story and Geoffrey Soyiantet, MBA North Campus.” Campus facility while offering look forward to partnering with President & Executive Director Rebecca Zoll their own talents and resources them again this year as VISTAs Vitendo4Africa President/CEO to be collaborators in that work. help bring community ideas into North County Inc. In addition, as a North County the design, development and resident, I look forward to seeing implementation of zoo educational “The Saint Louis Zoo set a the dream become reality and programs.” new standard for community “The Saint Louis Zoo North Campus visiting the campus once opened.” Katie Bench, MNA engagement, and we are anxiously team, a myriad of citizens from Dwayne T. James, PE Director of VISTA Services awaiting the rollout of educational different paths, with a synergy of Urban County Director - County Mission: St. Louis programming. Thank you.” greatness and power, discovered Engagement Lottie Wade, MSW what it cared about; as a result, a MU Extension - Urban East Region Chair future will be built for children and Spanish Lake Community adults through the living world of Development Corporation the Zoo.” “It has been an interesting journey Rhonda M. Key, Ph.D. in learning about the community’s Assistant Superintendent of Schools needs and wants. We are looking Jennings School District forward to what the Zoo has in store for the Spanish Lake campus.” Julie Griffith, RN President Spanish Lake Community Association “The North County neighborhood “I have learned so much being a “I’ve encountered so much brilliance “It’s been a great opportunity for is a natural wonder that provides part of this project, and I am still this past year: At neighborhood the Saint Louis Zoo to work so a lot of opportunities for nature learning every day. My biggest watch meetings, MetroMarket closely with the community to gain based learning. The community lesson has been that you never outings, soup kitchens, community insights into their educational engagement exercise has shown know as much as you think you block parties, and church health programming needs. This process that the North County Community do. You can prepare and outline as events. Every place I was invited speaks to the interests of north has a special love for the outdoors much as you like, but until you get gave me insight on how much St. Louis County residents, and and their new neighbor - the Saint out into the community and begin pride and hope lives within north to the synergy that can develop Louis Zoo. The new campus in the those meaningful relationships St. Louis County. I felt honored to through positive community North County provides a wonderful with those you want to serve, you be a part of something bigger than engagement. We are all looking opportunity for the Saint Louis truly have no idea what you’re myself and know that each point forward to the wonderful Zoo to use education as a tool doing. This work as a VISTA is of input from the community was educational opportunities that to strengthen the relationship unlike anything I’ve ever done taken into consideration to create will be developed based on these between the residents, animals before; the most surprising aspect programming and partnerships collaborative efforts.” and the environment. This has been the internal experience of that will be a part of St. Louis for Jaclyn Johnson unique partnership will take the the project for me personally. The years and years to come. This is Assistant Director - Education conservation agenda to the next feeling of intense responsibility only the beginning of what working Saint Louis Zoo level.” and protectiveness for this with your community can do. We’re David Githinji, Ph.D. community arrived right when I reaching new heights from this Research Associate, Saint Louis Zoo began this work, and has only point!” “Saint Louis Zoo’s Participatory AmeriCorps VISTA grown throughout my time as a Daria Keys Asset Mapping project is how VISTA in North County. I am hopeful Research Associate, Saint Louis Zoo cultural institutions should engage that the relationship between AmeriCorps VISTA communities in the process of the Zoo and the North County creating relevant sustainable community members flourish and programs that meet organization thrive, as they create something and community needs. When I together that is representative heard the Zoo was engaging in this of the richness, beauty, strength, work, I was sold on leading the pride and community spirit in North Campus.” project.” North County.” Jo-Elle Mogerman, Ph.D. Julia Thorne Director - North Campus Research Associate, Saint Louis Zoo Saint Louis Zoo AmeriCorps VISTA “I am delighted with the level of “Engaging with our neighbors in “Through this process, we saw a “This project has been eye-opening, engagement on the part of Saint North County and learning about local institution that had genuine inspiring, and honestly, a whole Louis Zoo staff and our partners their hopes and dreams has commitment to listening and lot of fun. I commend the Saint at AmeriCorps VISTA and UMSL’s deepened my appreciation and building relationships with the Louis Zoo for their investment Community Innovation and Action respect for the resilient residents, community, and at the same in this community research and Center, along with countless wonderful organizations and time, a community that stepped engagement process, and am community members. Their hard beautiful landscapes in this up to lend their voice in creating excited about the continuous work over the course of fifteen area. We are all so very excited meaningful impact toward evolution of how the Zoo involves months resulted in nearly 10,000 to continue strengthening our creating educational opportunities and supports surrounding points of input collected via relationships through collaborating for families. The result, in my communities at both campuses. listening sessions, focus groups, and building Zoo educational opinion, is the seedlings of a great The engagements between surveys, and countless community programs to help our new partnership between the Zoo and Saint Louis Zoo staff, community engagements. This process has neighborhood flourish.” North County.” members and visitors will continue allowed us to become better Louise Bradshaw, MSEd Claire Rippel, MSW to lead to positive conservation acquainted with north St. Louis Fred Saigh Director of Education Community and Economic outcomes for people, animals and County community stakeholders. Saint Louis Zoo Development habitats, locally and around the As a result, we are well positioned University of Missouri Extension, world. I look forward to continue to serve residents’ educational St. Louis City working with you all.” programming priorities as we “Seeing North County community Amy Niedbalski, MBA develop the Zoo’s North Campus. members and Saint Louis Zoo Director, Conservation Audience I have every confidence that staff work together to design Research and Evaluation the community relationships educational programming has Saint Louis Zoo developed during this process will been inspiring. The passion, grow even stronger.” commitment, deep listening, and Michael Macek, MBA ideas from residents, Zoo staff, Director organizations, and educational Saint Louis Zoo leaders will produce impactful programming and an enduring relationship that will affect North County and the region for decades to come.” Karl Guenther, MSW Director, Anchor Institution Initiative University of Missouri - St. Louis Looking Forward

Our hope is that this that engage teens in Sincerely, new destination is a conservation career Jo-Elle Mogerman, Ph.D. confluence of community opportunities, support Director, North Campus pride, conservation and families sharing fun Saint Louis Zoo renewal. We want it to be outdoor experiences, a place where community strengthen schools Louise Bradshaw, MSEd members see themselves and help neighborhoods Fred Saigh Director of learning and recreating, to thrive. Education Saint Louis Zoo as well as a place that We know continuing holds rich traditions with to involve you in Jaclyn Johnson family and friends. This program conception and Assistant Director - future includes excellent development will result Education outdoor educational in successful programs Saint Louis Zoo programs designed to that the community can Amy Niedbalski, MBA meet community needs. delight in. Director, Conservation We envision strong Audience Research and Zoo partnerships with Evaluation community organizations Saint Louis Zoo

Jo-Elle Mogerman Louise Bradshaw Jaclyn Johnson Amy Niedbalski

Our Mission The mission of the Saint Louis Zoo is to conserve animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs that encourage the support and enrich the experience of the public.

Photos by: Michael Abbene, Roger Brandt, Bryan Denning, Ray Meibaum, David Merritt, JoEllen Toler, Megan Turner and Robin Winkleman