UPDATE: This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Join us next month on Thursday, July 19 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. to kick off the UpCycle Stewards season. > MORE INFO
Get outdoors and help restore one Des Moines' most popular parks!
Together, volunteers will remove invasive plants from the woodlands around Gray's Lake Park. After the event, organizers will take the plants to Blank Park Zoo where they will be "upcycled" into food for the zoo animals. No RSVP necessary - just show up!
We'll head to Confluence Brewing Co. after the event where the first 30 volunteers (age 21 and over) will receive a free beer compliments of Confluence.
About UpCycle Stewards
UpCycle Stewards is a joint effort between Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Parks and Recreation and Trees Forever. Events are held the third Thursday of each month June through August from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Gray's Lake Park. Volunteers who attend all three UpCycle events will be entered to win a Blank Park Zoo family four pack and feed bundle, which includes food to feed the parakeets, ostriches, giraffes, kid's kingdom animals and fish!
What to bring:
- Water bottle
- Clothes you don't mind getting beat up, sturdy boots or shoes and work gloves
- Sun protection
- All other equipment provided
Details
- No experience necessary
- Families welcome
- You will be asked to sign a liability waiver
- Restrooms on site
Directions
Gray's Lake Park is located in the heart of Des Moines east of Fleur Dr. and north of Bell Ave. Volunteers will meet in the southeast parking lot. From Fleur Dr., turn into the park at the northwest entrance and follow John R. Grubb Ln. around to the lake to the southeast parking lot. Look for event signage and staff.
Questions?
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Louis at mlouis@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 35.