World Bird Sanctuary
visits St. Louis Children's Hospital a couple of times per year, thanks to
Horticulturalist Gary Wangler.
Gary standing in his beautiful creation
Gary Wangler is the Staff
Horticulturalist for Children's Hospital. He and his staff of gardeners have the
most beautiful garden on the roof of part of the 8th floor at Children's
Hospital. This garden is a magical place with growing trees, flowers and
sculptures that will take your breath away. The garden, complete with a walking
path and benches, has a view into Forest Park, St. Louis’s city park. This
visual delight is just outside the kids’ playroom on the 8th floor. Families can go out there to relax and
look at the view, and admire the plants or the whimsical sculptures.
Colorful birdhouses adorn the fence surrounding the garden
Twice a year
the World Bird Sanctuary is asked to bring animal biofacts like feathers, claws
and eggs. We share stories with
the young patients. Sometimes one
of the parents just needs a break and pops in to ask questions about birds or
tell us of one of the amazing animal encounters they have had. Other times I have had a great
conversation with a sibling who is not sick, but is interested in wildlife or
birds.
I have been lucky enough to be the World
Bird Sanctuary representative to go for these twice a year visits many
times. With every visit I feel better
about sharing my knowledge or my passion for birds or compassion for fellow
humans who need a change of pace.
One of the whimsical sculptures that adorns the rooftop garden
Gary
Wangler is a super guy, who enjoys making the hospital a bright place with
wonderful plants and interactive sculptures. He and Walter Crawford, our Executive Director at World Bird
Sanctuary, have known each other for many years from working side by side
at the St. Louis Zoo. Gary always
asks how Walt is doing and I always give him the latest update on Walt's
travels or programs.
Gary's
rooftop garden is a very special place for patients and families of St. Louis
Children's Hospital. World Bird
Sanctuary is lucky to be able to go there a couple of times each year to share
our passion about birds with these families.
Thank you
Gary for inviting us to be part of something very special.
World Bird
Sanctuary Director of Education
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