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Gifts That Grow
Gifts that Grow offers the opportunity to plant a tree or lilac to honor a memory or milestone for someone dear to you. By donating a tree or lilac, you can create a lasting honor while enhancing the beauty and sustainability of Des Moines parks.
A Tree For the Future
Over the years trees become landmarks in our parks and also offer numerous benefits, from providing shade and improving air quality to supporting local wildlife. We're thankful for your donation!
Process
Step 1: Review the Tree & Location options below.
Step 2: Once you have three preferences for both, fill out the Request Form. Our Executive Director, Sarah Lohmeier, will work with you on your options and answer any questions to ensure your tree properly honors your loved one.
Step 3: Sarah will help you make your one-time donation of $500 for each tree. Donations can be made by card or check.
Step 4: Trees are typically planted in the Spring and Fall. You will be notified when the planting date is finalized by the City. Each tree is marked with a personalized tag for loved ones to collect as a keepsake or leave with the tree.
Tree Species Options
Shade Trees: Disease Resistant Elm, Ginko, Hackberry, Honeylocust, Kentucky Coffeetree, Oak (Burr, Red, Swamp White, White), Sweetgum, Tulip
Ornamental/Understory Trees: Crabapple, Hawthorn, Hophornbean, Japanese Tree Lilac, Serviceberry
Conifer (Evergreen) Trees: Bald Cypress, Balsam, Hemlock, Larch, White Pine, Norway Spruce
Location Options
Trees can be planted in a park, trail or city property. A full list of Des Moines Parks can be found HERE. Note that Cowles Commons, PappaJohn Sculpture Park & Botanical Gardens are not currently options.
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Ewing Park Lilac Program
Every spring for about two weeks, the Lilac Arboretum in Ewing Park comes alive with color. It is a spring tradition for many, to walk through the arboretum taking in the fragrant smell of the lilacs and enjoying the spectacular beauty. These shrubs are a seasonal delight, and their recurring blooms are a favorite among park visitors.
Process
Step 1: Choose between white, pink purple or multi-color lilacs.
Step 2: Fill out the Request Form below. Our Executive Director, Sarah Lohmeier, will help you make your one-time donation of $300 for a trio of lilacs. Donations can be made by card or check.
Step 3: Lilacs are planted in the fall at Ewing Park, 5300 Indianola Road in Des Moines. Each trio of lilacs will be marked with a personalized tag for their loved ones to collect as a keepsake or leave with the lilacs.
The Friends of Des Moines Parks is a nonprofit 501c3 organization with a mission to preserve, protect, improve, and promote the use of Des Moines’ parks, greenways, and recreational programs for the benefit of all neighborhoods, residents, and visitors. The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department is not responsible for replacing trees in the event that they are damaged due to normal wear and tear, natural disaster or vandalism. Please contact your tax professional to determine if your purchase is tax-deductible.
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