Tag: des moines

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Discover the Des Moines Botanical Garden: A Year-Round Urban Oasis

Written by Drake Student

Nestled along the east bank of the Des Moines River, the Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a lush, immersive experience for plant lovers, families, and curious explorers alike. This 12-acre urban garden is more than just a scenic retreat—it’s a vibrant hub of horticulture, education, and community connection in the heart of downtown Des Moines.

Explore the Conservatory and Rare Plant Collections

At the heart of the garden is its iconic geodesic dome conservatory, which houses more than 1,200 plant species from all over the world. Visitors can wander through towering tropical palms, colorful orchids, and striking succulents, all thriving in a climate-controlled space that provides a warm escape from Iowa’s chilly winters.

The garden’s impressive plant collections include one of North America’s largest Plectranthus (coleus) collections, as well as a historic bonsai display, featuring a Ginkgo biloba tree that dates back to 1865. Outdoor gardens surrounding the dome feature native Iowa plants, water gardens, rose gardens, and seasonal blooms that provide something new to admire throughout the year.

Events and Programs for Every Season

The Des Moines Botanical Garden is alive with activity all year long. Popular seasonal events include “Dome After Dark”, where the conservatory transforms into a glowing tropical escape with music and drinks on Friday nights during the winter months. In spring, the annual Spring Garden Market brings together plant lovers, local vendors, and expert gardeners for a weekend of shopping, learning, and community fun.

Other events include yoga in the garden, live music series, family-friendly festivals, and even botanical-themed art exhibits. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening or an educational experience, there’s always something going on.

Learn and Grow with Educational Opportunities

The garden offers a wide range of classes and workshops for all ages. The “Learn on Saturdays” lecture series invites horticulturists, environmentalists, and gardening experts to share tips and insights on sustainable gardening practices, native planting, and more.

They also offer programs for kids and schools, making it a perfect place for hands-on learning outside the classroom.

Plan Your Visit

The Des Moines Botanical Garden is located at 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, just minutes from downtown. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for youth, with memberships available for frequent visitors.

Whether you’re a lifelong gardener or simply seeking a peaceful place to unwind, the Des Moines Botanical Garden is a must-see destination in Iowa’s capital city.

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Sustainability Efforts in Des Moines

Our earth is the only one we are going to get, and there are countless environment sustainability organizations in Des Moines who are determined to make it last. Searching for grassroots non-profits to volunteer for or financially support? Here is a list of the top local sustainability organizations in the area.

Jackson Street Bridge

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

From establishing Iowa’s multi-use trails to protecting untouched prairie, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation works to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. Their mission is bound by the idea that together, we can do more.

Click here to volunteer!

INHF Team Members

Volunteers can share their enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating, or supporting events and activities.

The Brenton Arboretum

The Brenton Arboretum

The mission of The Brenton Arboretum is to inspire joy through the beauty and knowledge of the natural world of trees. It is home to more than 2,500 trees and miles of hiking trails just minutes west of the Des Moines metro. 

Click here to donate or sign up to volunteer today!

Trees Forever

Trees Forever Volunteers

Trees Forever was established in Marion, IA in 1989. Year round, the non-profit works with landowners and communities to improve water quality, aid in wildlife conservation, manage stormwater, reduce soil erosion and decrease pollutants runoff…

Simply by planting trees on road and riversides.

Sign up to volunteer today!

Greater DSM Botanical Gardens

Join a dynamic team helping the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden become one of the most beautiful attractions in Iowa!

Share your enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating, or supporting events and activities.

Waterfall inside DSM Botanical Gardens

Volunteers are essential to the success. Join the team today!

Friends of Des Moines Parks

DSM Park

This non-profit works closely with the community and the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department to enhance parks and expand recreation opportunities for all residents and visitors of Des Moines.

Their current fundraising efforts are focused on the projects listed on their website which aim to create vibrant, accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Click here to donate!

Volunteer Today

As you can see, Des Moines offers more than the vibrant city life and diverse cultural experiences. Especially for sustainability projects, local non-profits consistently need all the hands they can get! Many organizations invite the public to donate or volunteer for their activities and events.

Find a local non-profit that interests you, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Share in the fun and the stewarding of our beloved environment!

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Student-Worthy Activities For All

Not aiming to have another boring weekend just sitting in your dorm room? Here are just a few student-worthy activities that you can try out. These activities will have you bursting with joy. You will be able to have fun with your friends every weekend and make long-lasting memories.

Botanical Gardens

The first student-worthy activity, we suggest is going to the Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Garden in Des Moines is located on Robert D. Ray Drive. The cost of admission is twelve dollars.

Students who have gone say it is a beautiful location. Many enjoy just looking at all the colorful flowers. It has a very calming atmosphere. You and your friends can talk, walk through these flowers, and take beautiful photos here.

Des Moines Theater Scene

Another student-worthy activity, we suggest is student rushing a show at the Des Moines Civic Center. The arts are alive in Des Moines and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Civic Center in downtown Des Moines. Broadway shows regularly come through the city and perform at the Civic Center.

Students have the opportunity to see these shows at an affordable price due to the student rush tickets. If the show isn’t sold out, then Drake students can buy the unsold tickets two hours before the show at half the cost. This is an affordable and fun option for Drake students who love theater. Drake students can also catch one of the numerous on-campus shows throughout the year.

Blank Park Zoo and More Student-Worthy Activities

Lastly, a student-worthy activity we suggest is going to the Blank Park Zoo. The Blank Park Zoo has a bunch of adorable animals for all to enjoy. A baby giraffe was even born last year. Students can go with their friends and enjoy an afternoon in the animal kingdom. Animal lovers will enjoy getting to see the lovely creatures. There are even some peacocks that run free, students can make friends with them.

            Never have a boring weekend again, enjoy these student-worthy activities and more. Des Moines is a vibrant city with lots of student-worthy activities for all to enjoy. Artsy, sporty, and nature lovers alike will find a student-worthy activity perfect for them and their friends.

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