Earth Day is April 22. Whether you like to take a hands-on approach, or you prefer to sit back and learn, Des Moines has many events that will help you get the most out of your Earth Day experience. To make it easier on you, we’ve curated a list of all the happenings in the Des Moines area for you.

Written by Vada Abrahamson, DSMG Contributor


Earth Day Group Walk with Iowa’s Walking Club

This Earth Day from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. get outside and enjoy the community and nature Des Moines has to offer with a group walk. Iowa’s Walking Club is hosting this two hour walk that circles around Grays Lake and goes under the tunnel into Water Works Park.

We love that you can use this morning walk to kick off a great Earth Day and connect with those around you who want to appreciate the Earth’s beauty.

Stroll through Des Moines Botanical Garden

One of our favorite ways to enjoy all the earth has to offer is by taking a stroll through the Botanical Garden. While this is a great activity all year round, it’s extra special on earth day because of the fun events and free admission.

Not only will you get to see the plants that you love for free, but you can participate in the water droplet hunt, a plant scavenger hunt, Story Sprouts and more.

Earth Day at Jester Park

Spend your earth day at Jester Park to celebrate, learn, and mingle with like minded people. This earth day celebration starts with a lunch and social hour where you can meet with other volunteers and prepare to learn new ways to help take care of the planet.

After the social hour you will learn many things such as how to remove invasive species, native garden maintenance, and more. What we love the most is that this event is great for people of all ages and there is no experience needed to join in.

Earth Day Rally hosted by Iowa Buffalo Rebellion

Honor the earth by gathering together and bouncing off ideas, plans, and hopes of climate justice and helpful action. At the rally you will be surrounded by people who put the planet first and are excited about collaborating to create a better earth.

This Earth Day rally will be hosted at Cowles Commons at 12pm on April 22. There will be local food trucks at the rally to keep you full and make mingling easier.

Virtual Forest Therapy Earth Day Walk 

Don’t want to leave your house on Earth Day? Just want to celebrate from your home for an hour of grounded, present meditation? Join Madison for a virtual forest therapy walk to connect to yourself and the world around you.  Due to the virtual nature of this session Madison asks that you find a space in a local park, your backyard, or even a favorite window ledge. Please bring a thermos of tea or water, charged device with a power bank if needed, a sit pad, clothing layers, or anything else that will make this session a bit more comfortable and connected. $30 / person, 50% of proceeds will benefit @iaenvironmentalcouncil

New Location: Petals + Moss Opening 

Okay, we’ll be honest, this isn’t exactly an earth day activity, but we couldn’t help but to put it on our list. One of our favorite plant stores moved recently (yay) and they are hosting an open house at their new location the day before earth day. Kick off celebrating early by enjoying wine, light bites, and new plants to add to your space on Thursday, April 21, or visit throughout the weekend.

Trail Clean Ups + More at Earth Day Trash Bash

Not to brag, but the Des Moines area has some of the best trails to walk when you’re looking for a moment of peace, some exercise, or quality time with the family. A trail cleanup is a great way to give back. Check out a variety of trail clean up options closest to you and all the City sponsored events at this awesome website courtesy of Friends of Des Moines Parks.

Shop Earth Day Deals at THE COLLECTIVE 

A great way to celebrate Earth Day is also by shopping locally. Pop into THE COLLECTIVE –  a sustainable, vegan supply company – to buy some plastic free, zero waste goodies. Subscribe on the website to get access to exclusive Earth Week discounts for your shopping. We love the dry brush and shower steamers!


Wondering what else is going on this weekend?