I lead group walks on different trails a few times a month. This free series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

What is a soft trail? Simply, it is an unpaved trail. Its surface may be dirt, grass, or crushed rock/gravel. I am an avid mountain biker and know all these trails very well. I can guarantee that no one will get lost!

Walk into Iowa history—one step at a time! Join us for the 11th Annual Historical Walking Tour at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, August 7 at 8:15 a.m., starting near the Administration Building on the Grand Concourse. This fun, FREE, and educational way to kick off your Fair day is co-hosted by the State Historical Society of Iowa & the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. 

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025 the Iowa Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services will host its fifth annual virtual learning collaborative on childhood lead poisoning prevention to advance childhood lead poisoning prevention through collective impact. The purpose of this event is to highlight programs and services throughout Iowa that have been successful in implementing strategies for addressing and preventing childhood lead poisoning.

The Muscatine Triathlon, presented by Sqwincher®, features a thrilling Sprint Class Triathlon designed for athletes of all levels to push their limits in a scenic and supportive environment. Participants will start with a 750-meter swim, followed by a 12.4-mile bike ride through picturesque Muscatine, and finish with a 5K run that brings them to the heart of our vibrant community. This event combines challenge, camaraderie, and a celebration of fitness, making it a perfect race for both competitive athletes and first-time triathletes alike. Join us for an unforgettable race day experience.

I lead group walks on different trails a few times a month. This free series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

What is a soft trail? Simply, it is an unpaved trail. Its surface may be dirt, grass, or crushed rock/gravel. I am an avid mountain biker and know all these trails very well. I can guarantee that no one will get lost!

This free series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

What is a soft trail? Simply, it is an unpaved trail. Its surface may be dirt, grass, or crushed rock/gravel. I am an avid mountain biker and know all these trails very well. I can guarantee that no one will get lost!

Join North Star for the annual Great Rubber Duck Splash. Adopt a duck for $5 and entrance is free. Come to The Falls on race day to cheer on your ducks as they "swim" the lazy river - first ducks across the finish line win cash prizes (first place is $1,000). This fun family-friendly event has swimming, games, balloon animals and this year there will be a pre-heat race!

Join us for a walk at Denman Woods. This flat trail is south of Center Trails in Des Moines. Park along the south side of North Valley Drive west of the bridge over Walnut Creek. Meet by 10:00 at the west end of the bridge.

Let’s stroll the short loop at Sycamore Trails in Johnston. Meet by 10:00 a.m. at the gravel parking lot on the south side of 66th Avenue, just west of the Des Moines River.

Let’s return to Grandview Park. It is a 60-acre park with several parking lots. Park along East 32nd Street just north of Guthrie Avenue. We will leave from there at 10:00 a.m.

Join us for a walk along the north part of Rollercoaster Trail and an excursion through the Rose Garden. We will meet on the west side of the Des Moines Art Center. Park on Myron and Jacqueline Blank Pkwy by 10:00 a.m.

This year, River Action is thrilled to present Ride the Island, an exciting twist on Ride the River! Join us on Father's Day for the opportunity to ride the roads and trails on the Rock Island Arsenal while exploring its rich history and visiting iconic landmarks.

National Trails Day is Saturday, June 7, and we are celebrating the new Fourmile Mountain Bike Park. “It features a network of soft surface trails that are ideal for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and groomed trails for winter fat biking.“

We will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the gravel parking lot at the corner of Williams Street and East Washington Avenue.

This free Soft Trail Stroll series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active, and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

The community is invited to wear green, walk around the city square and talk with mental health resources who will have tables set up at the square.

There will be food truck available to purchase lunch.

This is a FREE webinar hosted by EFR. In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, creating a culture that prioritizes mental health is crucial for employee well-being and organizational success. This webinar will provide an impactful, practical guide to implementing mental health training programs that can benefit any workplace.

Mental Health First Aid instructor Megan Hammes (Hammes Homestead and Consulting) is hosting this MHFA in conjunction with MERGE/Greater IC. Megan has extensive experience in the safety, health, and well-being space and she is on a mission to train hundreds of new Mental Health First Aiders!

Join us for a 2.5-mile walk at Denman Woods. This flat trail is south of Center Trails in Des Moines. Park along the south side of North Valley Drive west of the bridge over Walnut Creek. Meet by 10:00 at the west end of the bridge.

Let’s visit the Ewing Park lilacs! Meet by 10:00 a.m. in our usual Ashley Okland Star Playground parking lot on south side of McKinley, just west of Indianola Avenue.

Join us for a 1.5-mile stroll through the woods of Southwoods Park. This park is just off 35th Street, south of Mills Civic Parkway, in West Des Moines. Meet by 10:00 a.m. in the disc golf course parking lot.

Arrowhead Trail Run is a 5k marked course at Arrowhead Park near Neola, Iowa. Choose the traditional 5k distance, 2 laps for a 10k, or complete as many laps as you can in a 4 hour Enduro! Medals will be awarded for the top 10 Male and Female in the 5k, 10k and Enduro events. ALL are welcome to run, jog, walk or hike at your own pace.

This free Soft Trail Stroll series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active, and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

Healthy LifeStars will host its sixth annual conference to bring awareness, education and networking opportunities to prevent childhood obesity by bringing together like-minded people to learn and network. Join physicians, nurses, public health educators, researchers, teachers, social workers and dietitians in a conversation about the prevention of, and the implications of, childhood obesity!

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. It covers common signs and symptoms of mental health/substance use challenges, how to interact with a person in crisis, and how to connect a person with help.

This year’s Summit takes a deep dive into society’s misconceptions and barriers surrounding brain health and stigma, and the importance of creating “mindful workplaces.

The 3rd Annual Building on Ourselves Day will be October 26, 2024, at the MLK Center, 1650 Garfield Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50316. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by noon. The event will feature walks ranging from one to three miles.

The Building on Ourselves event, which aims to raise health awareness among people of color, is named in honor of our esteemed Brother Broderick Richard "Boo" Daye.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

Arrowhead Obstacle Trail Run is a 5k (3.1 mile) event on the scenic trails of Arrowhead Park near Neola, Iowa featuring 15+ obstacles. There is also a 1 Mile Kid's Obstacle Trail Run with 10+ obstacles! All proceeds benefit the Pottawattamie County Trails Association.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.