Shade the Way: Tree Sale Volunteers

The Iowa DNR, through a partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is excited to offer private residents the opportunity to buy landscape-sized trees at an extreme discount. Trees provide a myriad of benefits to homeowners including reduced home heating and cooling costs, decreased stormwater, shade for outdoor activities, higher home values, and enhanced beauty. This program further advances residential forestry and conservation goals of all partnered organizations involved.

Join us for a tree-mendous afternoon of giving back to the environment and our community! We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help unload 250 native trees from trucks in the afternoon, setting the stage for tree the distribution event in the evening. During the evening distribution event, volunteers will help to load pre-ordered trees into vehicles at Fort Des Moines Park. Volunteers may choose a volunteer shift to help unload trees from delivery trucks in the afternoon and/or join in the evening to help load trees into individual vehicles as residents arrive to pick up pre-ordered trees.

By lending a hand you're planting the seeds of a greener, healthier future for our community. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your work gloves, and together we'll help make our community a little greener, one tree at a time.

If you are interested in purchasing a tree through this Iowa DNR program, please visit this website for more information: iowadnr.gov/Conservation/..Tree-Programs

ACTIVITY: Tree distribution to residential buyers

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate – working as a team, volunteers will be unloading and loading trees out of delivery trucks and into residential buyers vehicles. This will involve movements such as bending, twisting, squatting, hauling, and lifting trees that are 15-50 pounds in weight.

REGISTRATION: Required

DEADLINE: Register by noon the day prior. If registration is closed, please contact Volunteer Coordinators to inquire about attendance.

By registering for this event, I acknowledge I am filling an open position. In the event that I and/or members of my group are unable to attend, I will cancel my registration to allow for others to join this event.

COST: Free

GROUPS ALLOWED: Yes

AGES: This activity is appropriate for ages 12+. No experience necessary.

WHAT TO BRING: Dress for the weather. Required - closed-toe footwear. Recommended – long pants, work gloves, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves provided for those without. In an effort to promote sustainability at this event, please bring a reusable water bottle. Each event participant will be provided proper personal protective equipment and training as needed.

LOCATION DETAILS & SCHEDULE:

Fort Des Moines Park | Park Map | Meet at Shelter #1

1:00 – 3:00 PM: Afternoon unloading of trees from delivery truck

4:00 – 6:30 PM: Evening loading of trees into buyers vehicles

CONTACT: ConservationVolunteers@polkcountyiowa.gov

Polk County Conservation strives to host inclusive, accessible events and meetings that enable all individuals to participate. If you anticipate needing a modification due to a disability or have questions about accessibility, please contact us at 515-323-5300 or pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov.