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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
Donating a tree is a long-term memorial and contribution to our parks. 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’ll work with you on your options and answer any questions to ensure your tree properly honors your loved one. Start by submitting your contact information to the form below, or reach out to our Executive Director, Sarah at sarah@friendsofdmparks.org. Here’s how it works from there:
Select your tree species
You’ll provide your top three tree species.
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Shade Trees: Disease Resistant Elm, Ginko, Hackberry, Honeylocust, Kentucky Coffeetree, Oak (Burr, Red, Swamp White, White), Sweetgum, Tulip
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Ornamental/Understory Trees: Crabapple, Hawthorn, Hophornbean, Japanese Tree Lilac, Serviceberry
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Conifer (Evergreen) Trees: Bald Cypress, Balsam, Hemlock, Larch, White Pine, Norway Spruce
Request your park or city property location
A one-time donation of $500 for each tree will secure your order. Donations can be made by card or check.
Make your one-time donation
Benches are installed in the Spring and Fall at the start of the seasons. An order for your Spring installation needs to occur by the end of the preceding calendar year. A Fall order would need to occur by the end of August.
Tree planting
Trees are typically planted in the Spring and Fall. You will be notified when the available tree species, location and planting date are 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.
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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.
We’ll work with you on your options for planting lilacs at Ewing Park. Start by submitting your contact information to the form below, or reach out to our Executive Director Sarah at sarah@friendsofdmparks.org. Here’s how it works from there:
Choose your color
You may choose white, pink, purple or multi-color lilacs depending on availability
Make a one-time donation
A trio of lilacs can be purchased for $300
Lilac planting
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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