Henry Shaw had a dream . . .
A century and a half ago, a prosperous English-born St. Louis businessman dreamed of a beautiful park for all to enjoy: beautiful buildings, ponds, statuary, fountains . . . and trees. That man was Henry Shaw, and he spent much of the latter part of his life converting the pastures and farmlands of his Tower Grove estate west of St. Louis into a magnificent urban forest. Shaw gave these lands to the City of St. Louis in 1868 to create Tower Grove Park. Using his broad experiences from travel and study, Shaw created a gardenesque landscape of great beauty and diversity. One of the most important projects in creating the Park was the planting of thousands of trees, of over 300 varieties.

For generations, we have enjoyed the beauty and cooling shade of the remarkable collection of trees at Tower Grove Park. The Park has long had one of the most diverse and interesting urban forests in the United States.

You can be part of the dream. . . .
by making a donation to the Tower Grove Park Tribute Fund. Your gift can support the planting of one or more trees, fund the care of our existing trees, or purchase a historic bench in the Park.

There is something very satisfying about funding a tree or a fine sturdy bench for a public park. Trees live for many years, and provide benefits appreciated by young, old, rich and poor. Supporting the tree care fund helps insure a longer and healthier life for the thousands of trees and shrubs that now live in the Park.

A bench contributes to the long term beauty of this National Historic Landmark Park with a handsome, useful, and durable asset that can be enjoyed for generations.

You may indicate any special requests. Every effort is made to honor these requests, based on the Park’s historic planting plan. Benches are installed at a mutually agreed upon location based on the overall plan of the Park.

Tribute funds received January—June are normally dedicated the next fall; those received July—December are dedicated the following spring. Your name and chosen dedication will be recorded on the permanent donor
recognition plaque in the Park Office. After the tree has been planted, you will be sent a certificate and a map showing the location of the tree.

With your donation, you are making a commitment to the future—and to the quality of life in St. Louis. Tributes are tax deductible and can be made in any amount.

The recipient, or their family, will receive a personalized card informing them that a gift has been made in their name, and who has made the gift. Donors will receive a letter thanking them for their donation.

Here are some option available:
$500: Includes a tree and recognition on donor plaque in the Park Office. 5 year replacement guarantee.

$2,500: Includes a tree, recognition on donor plaque in the Park Office, and permanent bronze plaque at the tree site. Replacement of tree as needed.

$5,000: Includes a bench, permanent bronze plaque at bench site, and long term care of the bench.

General donation for care of existing trees in the Park.

For more information, or to have an informational brochure sent to you, please call the Park Office at 314-771-2679. You can also click on the Donate Now button to the left and make a donation online.