City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department

2023 Riverfest - Des Moines River Cleanup

May 19th, 2023
Birdland Marina

Join Iowa Confluence (ICON) Water Trails & Iowa Rivers Revival on Friday, May 19th for Riverfest - a litter cleanup event along the Des Moines River, starting at the Birdland Marina. Our waterways and greenspaces are home to local wildlife, offer outdoor recreation opportunities, and provide beauty and relaxation. Help clean up litter along the river and adjacent land to make a positive impact in our community.

After the cleanup, volunteers will be treated to a complimentary lunch courtesy of Captain Roy's and have the opportunity to learn about outdoor recreation and water quality by engaging with educational partners at family-friendly booths. Volunteers from corporate partners will be able to utilize volunteer hours and can contact Luke Hoffman at luke@iowarivers.org for more information about the event and how they can plan to participate.



Event Partners:

  • Iowa Confluence (ICON) Water Trails
  • Iowa Rivers Revival
  • Polk County
  • Polk County Conservation
  • Des Moines Parks and Recreation
  • Quarry Springs Outfitters
  • Greater Des Moines Partnership
  • Captain Roy's
  • Des Moines Rowing Club
  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources

*Note: The event is at FULL capacity for volunteer openings, but the public is welcome to join us at Captain Roy's for music, speakers, and the educational fair. Questions? Please contact Luke Hoffman at luke@iowarivers.org.

COVID-19: 

The City of Des Moines cannot guarantee that the volunteer or any of the event attendees will not become infected with COVID-19.  Volunteers and attendees use the City’s facility at their own risk.  

In order to comply with emergency proclamations by the Governor or Mayor, as such may be amended from time to time, and as public health guidelines evolve, for the safety of staff and the public, the Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel at any time. In addition, the Department reserves the right to change the registration requirements at any time. The Department will contact the volunteers as soon as reasonably possible with such cancellation or changes.



There are no shifts available at this time.



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