Katherine & Dennis Woldum

  • LOCATION: Ladue, Missouri
  • Inventory of over 250 native trees and shrubs including mature American Holly and many oak trees
  • Well established front planting beds, including rain gardens and prairie, provide 4 season interest
  • Small pond water feature
  • Rich wildlife including coyotes, fox, bats and many birds
  • Habitat diversity: woodland, prairie dry creekbed & wetland
  • GOLD certified in St. Louis Audubon Bring Conservation Home program

Katherine and Dennis purchased this 1-¼ acre property 14 years ago. Originally part of an 8 acre estate, they have transformed what was a bare clear-cut hill with a derelict tennis court (and not a bird in sight) into a thriving oasis for native plants and animals. After the removal of the tennis court and lots of honeysuckle, the Woldums set out to address severe water run-off via carefully placed rain gardens and emphasized conservation with native plant selection.

The restoration has transformed the landscape into a haven for wildlife. A vast array of birds call it home including hawks, Great Horned Owls, woodpeckers and Eastern bluebird while Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and others stopover during migration. Butterfly and moth reproduction is supported with numerous native host plants and dragonflies are frequently seen patrolling throughout the property.