Summer has kicked off in Des Moines Parks and Recreation! We are celebrating 10 years of Yoga in the Parks. Thank you to Denny Kelly for bringing this idea to our community and to all of the instructors that have donated their time to share their gifts each week. Click below for more details on this summer's instructors that will be hosting Yoga at the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
UPCYCLE Stewards
Gray's Lake Park
Third Thursdays
June 20, July 18, August 15
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Help us improve our water quality, diversify our woodlands and UPCYCLE our invasive plant species into food and fun for Blank Park Zoo’s birds, reptiles, primates and mammals.

Volunteers, age 14 and older, will be trained to use loppers and hand saws to cut and drag out unwanted plants. Please wear close-toed shoes or work boots and long pants to protect yourself.

*BONUS: The first 30 adults get a free drink afterwards courtesy of Confluence Brewing next door!
DECORATION CLEAN-UP
Glendale Cemetery & Laurel Hill Cemetery
Shifts available: July 1, 2, 3, 5

Decoration Day began after the Civil War. After World War I, it became a way to honor those that died serving in any war or military action. Today we know this holiday as Memorial Day. Many people observe the holiday by visiting graves of loved ones, leaving decorations in their memory. By July, the weather and elements have taken a toll on the decorations and they are ready to be removed.

Volunteers will assist in removing decorations and properly disposing of them. Training will be provided on the day of the cleanup. Volunteers will be working outside, and should be able to bend, lift and walk.
PROTECT our PLANTS
Sargent Park
Sheridan Park
Stewart Square
Flexible Openings Available

Love trees, flowers and all that is green and glorious in our parks? Mulch is important helping retain water, insulating the soil, keeping weeds out and provides a protective buffer. We need small teams to help us for a few hours and mulch our parks.

Dates are flexible. We will provide all the tools, supplies, mulch, sun and fun. We just need you! 
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PRAIRIE CLEAN-UP
Glendale Cemetery
4909 University Avenue
July 19, 8:00 a.m.-Noon

The Glendale Wildflower Scattering Area is a natural prairie located in Glendale Cemetery. 

Native grasses and wildflowers create a comfortable environment to scatter the remains of loved ones. Native prairie plants provide deep roots that have held our rich Iowa soil together for centuries. They also provide a diverse habitat rich with flora and fauna that visitors can enjoy while at the cemetery. However, some prairie plants can grow so tall that they start to fall over into the walking path. 

Volunteers will work with staff to cut back plants along the paths to make our visitor’s experience much more relaxed and enjoyable. Join us for a morning along the prairie enjoying the summer sun and nature.  
THANK YOU...
Polk County Water Quality Snapshot volunteers Adam Ibrahim and the Headley-Fectau family for monitoring our community's water quality. Welcome new volunteers Abby and Lowell who are monitors at Greenwood!
Wells Fargo and Drake Athletics for helping clean veteran's headstones at Glendale Cemetery. 
VOYA Day of Service, American Legion and Boy Scout volunteers for decorating veteran's graves before Memorial Day.
Lamar Advertising for helping prepare Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden for spring.
Mercer volunteers for helping plant Union Park flowerbeds.
To the many Memorial Day volunteers who helped greet visitors to our cemeteries, locate loved ones, direct traffic and more.
CELEBRATING 10 YRS OF SERVICE
City of Des Moines | Parks and Recreation | 515-237-1386 | dmparks.org | parksvolunteer@dmgov.org