National Public Lands Day-Des Moines is hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, Polk County Conservation, Polk Soil and Water Conservation District and community partners such as the Outdoor Stewards of Iowa, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Izaak Walton League, Central Iowa Trails Association and supporting businesses REI and Active Endeavors. We invite the public to join us at Ewing Park to celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day by volunteering in the Yeader Creek watershed. This year’s national theme is resilience and restoration. Together, we will celebrate restoring our watershed, improving outdoor recreation opportunities and building community. So bring your friends and family to celebrate National Public Lands Day and Get Outdoors Des Moines!
Grab your coffee and head over early in the morning, at 9:00 a.m., for our mini rain barrel workshop, educational tables and water monitoring demo.
Join us at 10:00 a.m. to get your hands on the land volunteering for one of the opportunities below:
1. Ewing Park-Yeader Creek Clean-up (15 and older)-40 volunteers needed
2. Ewing Park-Invasive Species Removal (14 and older)-40 volunteers needed
3. Easter Lake & Ewing Park-Litter Clean-up (All Ages)-50 volunteers needed
At Noon, we’ll turn in volunteer gear and draw door prizes (horseback riding gift certificate, canoe rentals, camping passes and a grand prize rain barrel)!
Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and wet if working in the creek. Gloves and waders will be available in limited supply. Bring your own waders, boots and gloves if you have them! For all work areas, volunteers must wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring a refillable water bottle. Meet-up across the street to the north from Ashley Oakland Playground, 1895 East Mckinley Avenue.
