When visitors arrive at Pleasant Valley Nature Preserve in Jefferson County, they are greeted by a lovely assortment of colorful flowers, thanks to volunteer Bonnie Gates.
For several years, Gates, 79, of High Ridge has volunteered her time to plant and maintain a garden near the parking lot on the opposite side of the park entrance.
The 40-acre nature preserve, 6701 Twin Rivers Road, in the Jefferson County portion of Eureka, has a walking trail and a pavilion.
Gates started clearing the area in 2018 and planted the garden in 2019. Now she visits several days a week to maintain the garden and water plants.
She said before working on the garden she often walked in the nature preserve but does not have much time to walk now.
“When I get a chance (to walk), I do, but this keeps me pretty busy, between watering and pulling weeds,” she said.
The garden is full of plants from Gates’ own garden and from discount sales.
“Irises are my favorites,” she said.
The garden has different types of irises, lilies, lamb’s ear, succulents, butterfly bushes, Norway spruces, and serviceberry bushes. She has also added lilies in planters at the entrance.
The garden also has mulch and a line of rocks and old railroad ties marking the edge.
Gates said her son, Bryan Gates of High Ridge, helped her dig all the rocks up and move them.
She also said John Suermann of High Ridge has donated some mulch.
Jefferson County Parks Department Director Tim Pigg said Gates’ garden at the preserve is pretty.
“It has really made the place nice,” he said. “It beautifies the park.”
Gates said she surprisingly has not had any issues with deer destroying the flowers.
“So far, cross our fingers they have not come in and bothered anything,” she said.
Gates grew up gardening and has always loved it.
“Mom and Dad always had a big garden. My mom loved flowers,” she said.
Since Gates is retired, she said she enjoys spending her time working to make the area look beautiful.
Pigg said he hopes to eventually have the parking lot paved and move the entrance to the nature preserve directly across from Byrnes Mill Road.
“We are trying to help the traffic and safety,” he said.
When the entrance is relocated, Pigg said he plans to work with Gates to make sure she still has a space for her garden.
“I am not going to tear up the flower bed without having some resolution for her to have it someplace else,” he said.
Pigg said the entrance relocation project has been on hold since the COVID-19 pandemic started, and he hopes to have a better plan for it by the end of this year.
He estimated the project will cost $58,000 and will be paid for with Parks Department general funds.
Pigg said he always appreciates those who want to volunteer at county parks but asks those who are interested to first call the Parks Department at 636-797-5334.