UPCYCLE Stewards at Gray's Lake!

Invasive plants such as honeysuckle are UPCYCLE’d after they are removed from Gray’s Lake Park and given to the Blank Park Zoo for food and fun for their animals. UPCYCLE is a partnership between Des Moines Parks and Recreation, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Blank Park Zoo and Trees Forever.

Volunteers are needed this summer at Gray’s Lake August 16 and September 20 from 5:30 p.m - 7:30 pm. The first 30 participants (21 and up) will get a free beer from Confluence Brewing Company. No registration is necessary. 

We will not visit the zoo after each invasive species removal event. If UPCYCLE Steward volunteers participate in all three volunteer events (July 19, August 16, September 20) they will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a family four pack entrance to the zoo along with a “feed bundle” which includes food to feed the parakeets, ostriches, giraffes, kid's kingdom animals and fish!

Volunteers should meet in the park at the SE public parking lot. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, and closed toed shoes are recommended. Contact parksvolunteer@dmgov.org for more information.