Des Moines is actively engaging in environmental initiatives to enhance sustainability and resilience. The city has partnered with the Iowa Environmental Council to develop a city-wide resilience hub program and involve more residents in sustainability programs, including Think Green This Spring and the Stormwater Best Management Practices Program.
In West Des Moines, the Parks and Recreation Department collaborated with community members to establish Iowa’s first mini-forest in Brookview Park. This project aims to restore native ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Additionally, the Great Outdoors Foundation and Microsoft have invested in stormwater wetland and prairie restoration at the Legacy Woods Nature Sanctuary. This initiative focuses on managing urban water quality and enhancing soil health through native landscaping.
These efforts reflect a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and community resilience in the Des Moines area.