LM’s Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center in St. Charles County, Missouri, welcomes more than 800 visitors
May 20, 2024
minute read time
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) played host to the annual Plant America Garden Expo at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event was organized by local gardening clubs in the St. Louis area, including the O’Fallon Garden Club, the Jardin du Lac Garden Club, Boone Country Garden Club, and MOGreenFuture.
The free event was open to the public, with more than 800 visitors participating in Plant America and LM festivities. Attendees were able to enjoy several family-friendly activities, such as a scavenger hunt, guided gallery tours of the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, and groundwater well demonstrations.
Other themed activities included a Water Cycle game and Aquifer in a Cup. During the Water Cycle game, guests were invited to make a bracelet as they acted as a water droplet and followed the stages of the water cycle. Each bead on the bracelet was a different color and represented a different stage in the cycle. Once the bracelet was full, guests were able to take their masterpiece home with them. With Aquifer in a Cup, guests layered rocks and sediment in a clear plastic cup and learned how to make groundwater visible.
“Everyone really enjoyed all of the STEM with LM activities, and it was important that guests had the opportunity to learn what LM does every day, but also how LM continues to protect human health and the environment,” said LM Public Affairs Specialist Christine Jost.
The event also featured several guest speakers who spoke on a variety of topics relating to sustainability, gardening, and nature, including ways to deal with lawn critters; myths, misconceptions, and truths about snakes; how to manage, conserve, and reduce water usage; and native habitats of different animals and plants species.
“We are excited to have had several guest speakers at the expo this year,” said LM Site Manager Rebecca Roberts. “It’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn from these amazing experts, and for visitors to have the chance to ask questions and learn more about topics that interest them.”
The event was sponsored by businesses and organizations in the St. Charles County region and had more than 20 participating vendors. Visitors could find an assortment of plants, crafts, décor, and other local treasures to spruce up their homes.
During the event, local food truck vendors served up some tasty refreshments, including plant-based offerings, tacos, and delicious, sweet treats.
“We had such an amazing turnout to this event, and we are really thankful to all who helped organize and volunteered to make this event such a success,” Roberts added. “We are looking forward to hosting more events like this one in the future.”