Small brewers are fervent supporters of community stewardship of all types. Many have taken the opportunity to enrich their communities and give back to the people and the environment for which they rely on. Craft brewers are deeply entrenched in the cities and towns that they belong to, and looking out for the environment goes far beyond good business practices. As Anthony Brescia explains, St. Louis Brewery’s tree planting program, it’s inevitably a lot of fun too.

By Anthony Brescia
Schlafly Tap Room/Saint Louis Brewery, Inc.

Every spring and fall at Schlafly Beer in St. Louis, we get volunteers from the community (customers, regulars and employees) to plant trees in our fair city. In both planting seasons, we take from our stock of partial kegs and outdated beer (which we cannot sell, but tastes fine); get trees discounted or donated from local arborists, state and/or private nurseries; and load vans and trucks with beer, people and trees.

Prior to Earth Day, Schlafly works with the city and county arborists/foresters to determine where trees are needed, and which species are appropriate, as well to make plans for mulching and watering at planting and in the future. Over the years the program has planted fifty trees with as few as eight people, and as many as twenty-five. Volunteers are asked to bring shovels and gloves among other things. Schlafly provides water and often a barbecue during and afterward, which is always fun. A certified arborists has volunteered to prune three for five years after the initial plantings and teach about pruning so others may do so.

Somehow without fail at each of these events everyone has a spectacular time. The camaraderie of like-minded people enjoying fine craft beers and connecting to the Earth is simply priceless.

The 11th bi-annual beer and trees event will be on Sunday, April 15, 2012. Meet at the Schlafly Tap Room at 1pm. Yes, the Cardinals are playing, but it’s expensive and sold out. Bring a cup, shovel, gloves, your friends and kids. We will be planting in Busch Park again (nice place, with easy soil.) in North City. It’s free, there’s too much beer and it’s spring! Remember to dress for the weather, we hope to see you there!

Last Updated: April 12, 2012