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 September from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Gray's Lake Park. Volunteers who attend 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 should meet at the Parks Maintenance Building located off Thomas Beck Road. Please note: Due to construction closures, volunteers will have to park at the Terrace and walk the trail, across the bridge, following the yellow UpCycle signs.
Questions?
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Louis at mlouis@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 35.