Dear Neighbors,
Spring is upon us, and with the new season comes a sense of renewal and community spirit. We are thrilled to share with you several exciting updates and initiatives in this latest update. Our focus is on community gardening tips, reminders, and special events designed to engage both the young and young at heart. We also aim to ensure that we are well prepared for the season’s changes. And be sure to read to the bottom for our next HOA meeting update!
An Eggciting Announcement!
We’re hopping eggcited to share that the Easter Bunny will be following a rabbit trail through our neighborhood on Saturday, March 30th, starting at 10 a.m., and will arrive promptly at 11 a.m. in the Cool Dell Court cul-de-sac for our annual Easter egg hunt! Mark your calendars to join us in a good time for all!
Community Gardening Tips and Update
With spring in the air, it’s time to refresh out outdoor spaces. Here are some tips to rejuvenate your yards and gardens while also being mindful of our environment:
- Yard and Garden Cleanup: Begin by removing debris, dead plant material, and weeds that have accumulated over the winter. This will give your plants a healthy start and prevent pests and diseases. Remember, it is okay to leave leaf litter and dead wood. These elements provide essential nesting materials and habitat for insects and other creatures important to our biodiversity.
- Cul-de-sac Beautification Reminder: You’ll be reimbursed $150 for cleaning, adding plants, etc., to make your area shine.
- Composting: Turn yard waste and kitchen scraps into valuable compost for your garden. Composting reduces landfill waste and provides excellent nutrition for your plants.
- Native Planting: Embrace native Missouri plants in your garden. Native species are adapted to our climate and soil, require less water, and provide essential habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Some Missouri native plants to consider include Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, and Butterfly Milkweed. Check Missouri Botanical Gardens for lists of native and deer-resistant resources for a little inspiration.
- Pear Tree Buy Back Program: Use the Pear Tree Buy Back program to replace invasive species with more native, beneficial plants. Learn more at the Missouri Invasive Plant Task Force.
- Pollinator-Friendly Gardens: Create a haven for pollinators by including a variety of flowering plants that bloom from early spring to late fall. Pollinators are crucial for a healthy ecosystem, and attracting them can make your garden more vibrant and productive.
- Rain Gardens: Consider installing a rain garden to manage runoff and improve water quality. Rain gardens are designed to absorb rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and walkways, filtering pollutants and reducing erosion.
- Water Conservation: Use rain barrels to collect rainwater for watering your garden. Mulching your garden beds can also help retain moisture, reduce water use, and suppress weeds.
- Support neighborhood efforts: During the winter months, we helped with several downed trees and cut back the honeysuckle from the guard rail on Carman Valley. Once the sprinklers are back on, we plan to sod the common area adjoining the sidewalks along Carman Valley. If you would like to help with community beautification efforts, please contact [email protected].
Incorporating these practices beautifies your outdoor space and contributes to a healthier environment and a more sustainable community.
Emergency Preparedness!
Spring brings new weather challenges, and being prepared is key:
- Know your neighbors: Make sure you have their contact information, and they have yours. A connected community is a safe community.
- Review Your Plan: Discuss and review emergency plans with your family, including evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
- Weather Alerts: Sign up for local notifications to stay informed about severe weather alerts. To receive emergency alerts from St. Louis County, text SLCOOEM to 78015.
- Emergency Kits: Ensure your home has an up-to-date emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours.
Learn more at St Louis County Emergency Management.
Trustee Update: Virtual HOA Meeting
Mark your calendars for our virtual HOA meeting on April 4 at 7 p.m. Via Zoom. We will provide a quarterly update, discuss plans to expand the board and trustees, and much more. Details will be shared closer to the date. You can pre-register now using this link. We hope to see you there!
Final thought
Let’s embrace the spring season with enthusiasm for community improvement, engagement, and preparedness. We look forward to your active participation and seeing our neighborhood flourish in 2024!
Sincerely,
Ridgemont Board of Trustees
P.S. We always welcome your ideas and suggestions. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us on the board with your thoughts and feedback. Let’s make 2024 a year to remember!