Cemetery Decoration Clean-Up
Volunteers,

Though we have not reached a stage where we are able to handle group volunteer activities as a Department yet, we do have a few opportunities for individuals or families. These events are conducive with the CDC's most recent guidelines for safe social distancing as they are outside and over a large area. The first will be held at two of our cemeteries, Glendale and Laurel Hill, July 6th - July 9th. Many spots have already been filled but we can still use some help, particularly at Laurel Hill. We will be limiting the number of participants who can sign up in order to ensure participants are able to safely socially distance themselves during the shift.
If this is something you are interested in please signup using the button below.
UPCYCLE
It feels as though it was just last month that we sent out a newsletter that contained paragraphs from our UPCYCLE partners talking about how much they miss our volunteers.
Well guess what?!? We are back! Albeit in a limited capacity, but back nonetheless. This project is for families or individuals who would like to help us remove invasive species around Gray's Lake in an effort to beautify the area while also helping our native woodland species thrive and providing some delicious browse to the Zoo's animals from the invasive species that we do remove. We will be limiting the number of participants who can sign up in order to ensure participants are able to safely socially distance themselves during the work time. We will have a wait list as well.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can find more information by clicking the button below.

The last 4 summers, including this one, Des Moines Parks and Recreation has partnered with Iowa Teaches STEM Externship Program in order to bring a teacher in that has expertise in a specific field to help further our Departments goals. This year we would like to welcome Tracey Sandbothe. Tracey is being tasked with helping our Planning Division's team build a more interactive webpage to help keep the public aware of what they are working on and have recently finished. Below Tracey has written a bit about her work experience as well as some fun facts about who she is in her everyday life. Please join us in welcoming Tracey!

"I teach business and technology classes at Dowling Catholic High School where I have taught for 17 years. I taught Spanish when I first started at Dowling. I have a background in corporate training as well, teaching insurance agents to use technology in their offices. I feel I was well-suited for this position because I teach a web design class and it helps that I live right next to Ashby Park. 
I love the outdoors and just returned from our family's annual canoeing trip on the Current River in southeastern Missouri. My hobbies include running, hiking, biking, rowing and gardening.
My family includes my husband, John, two children, Olivia and Nathan, and my dog, Tula.
I hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain last summer, walking 500 miles in 31 days."