Volunteer Opportunities
FOUR MILE CREEK GARBAGE GRAB
Fourmile Community Recreation Center
Meet in South End of Parking Lot
Friday, August 10, 2018
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 1:00-4:00 p.m.

The Fourmile Creek Watershed encompasses more than 120 square miles. July brought massive flooding throughout Des Moines and Fourmile Creek. Volunteers are needed to walk in and around the creek to pull out tires and litter that has washed downstream as part of the flooding.

Open to all ages (parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver). All tools and supplies provided. Some waders will be available on-site but feel free to bring your own or old tennis shoes if you want to wade in the creek. It may be warm, so bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. If you are staying all day don't forget to bring your own snacks and lunch and take plenty of breaks.
UPCYCLE
Gray's Lake Park
Meet in SE Parking Lot
Thursday, August 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Celebrate our woodland's diversity by stopping invasive plant species, such as honeysuckle. Restoring habitat diversifies our plant populations and helps hold our soils in place helping improve our watershed too! We will UPCYCLE the plants and give them to the Blank Park Zoo to use for food and fun with their animals. 

Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older, wear long sleeves, pants and close-toed shoes or work boots to participate. All training and supplies provided on-site. Bring sunscreen, bug spray and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Advanced registration is not required. 

For more information contact Hannah,  hcchampeau@dmgov.org  or call (515)248-6373.
BONUS: First 30 volunteers (Age 21+) receive a free beverage from our neighbors at Confluence Brewing, following the event.  
THANK YOU...
United by Blue, Active Endeavors, Polk County Conservation, Polk Soil and Water Conservation District, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers teamed up for the United by Blue Movement Road Trip on July 28th.
The United by Blue event volunteers cleaned more than 1,400 pounds of trash out of the Yeader Creek watershed earning them 2nd place for most trash removed at a United by Blue event!
Thank you to our Dog Park Ambassadors for greeting guests, checking the parks and making sure dogs and owners have a safe and enjoyable experience this summer. If you're interested in becoming a Dog Park Ambassador at either Ewing Dog Park or Riverwalk Dog Park, contact parksvolunteer@dmgov.org for more information.
Thank you Courtney Straka and Revision Church for cleaning up Union and Birdland Parks.
Our Volunteers in Action!
YOGA in the PARK
Thank you to our August Yoga Instructors that volunteer to make yoga accessible and FREE to everyone in the Metro. Join these amazing volunteer instructors at Gray's Lake Park each Saturday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on the SE lawn.

August 4 Lynn Marie Nelson (Illuminate Yoga)
August 11 Ofelia Mohr (The Yoga Place)
August 18 Jen Bramble (Club B-Fit)
August 25 Racheal Jensen (DuPont Pioneer)

Woodland Cemetery Walk
Saturday, August 25, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
In 1848, the first land was donated for Woodland Cemetery. Today, this cemetery holds the stories of our City as it passed through civil and world wars, epidemics and natural disasters as well as the normal course of birth, life and death. Join volunteer historian/educator Archie Cook for a walk in Woodland Cemetery to explore our City's history. Tours are free, however donations towards cemetery improvements are accepted.

RSVP to Archie Cook
515-266-1627
Volunteer Program Needs
It's Christmas in July!  Santa is in need of a majestic seat to visit with children in (and rest after his long day of traveling). Each year, Santa spreads cheer & hands out Toys for Tots at Four Mile and Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Centers. Volunteers are needed to donate a chair (or if you are crafty) makeover a chair/bench into a Santa-worthy throne.  

If you have ideas or would like to help sponsor a purchase of a Santa chair or winter wonderland display to make him feel at home while he's in Iowa let us know!

Email parksvolunteer@dmgov.org for more details or if you can help.
City of Des Moines | Parks and Recreation | 515-237-1386 | dmparks.org | parksvolunteer@dmgov.org