Welcome volunteers
Please enter your first name and email address to continue. You will be prompted to register if you have not previously registered.
2026 Lilac Love
Help maintain the beautiful Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum. Enjoy the rolling hills, natural beauty, and some summer sun while working in this historic collection.
For years, thousands of people have celebrated spring by visiting the City of Des Moines’ Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum. Children fly kites, families picnic, and the occasional disc golfer passes through this unique city treasure.
EWING PARK LILAC ARBORETUM DETAILS:
The Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum was initiated by the Des Moines Park Board in 1940, at which time 350 plants in 116 varieties were purchased and planted in the city nursery. Planting in the arboretum started in 1943. The arboretum plan was developed by John C. Wistner, a renowned landscape architect and horticulturist. In his design, he arranged the plants with contrasting colors adjacent to one another to best showcase their splendor. The collection eventually grew to nearly 1,500 plants representing 500 of the finest varieties ever developed.
