Get outdoors and help restore some of Des Moines' most popular outdoor areas!
Together, volunteers will remove invasive plants from parks in the greater Des Moines area. After the event, organizers will take the plants to Blank Park Zoo where they will be "upcycled" into food for the zoo animals. Pre-registration preferred by signing up here.
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. Volunteers who attend will be provided a complimentary beer from Confluence Brewing Company. 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: Entrance will be north of Thomas Beck Road just east of Confluence. Please look for signage. Follow the gravel road west, past the blue maintenance shed and directly behind the Gray’s Lake concession stand or until you see the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation trailer.
> GOOGLE MAP
Questions?
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Louis at mlouis@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 35.