Water Works Park is a birding ‘hot spot’ – riparian woodland that hosts more than 200 bird species throughout the year. Spring migration brings Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers, shore birds and warblers as well as Great Blue Herons, Great White Egrets and many others.
Get wild with us!
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 starting at 8 a.m., there will again be hundreds of extraordinary eggs waiting to be found in Water Works Park. This egg hunt is your invitation to explore one of America’s largest urban parks. In addition, visitors to the park can also use a special bingo card to identify our feathered friends found throughout the park; find special animal signs and tree heart located throughout the park; follow the water treatment signs to learn more about how water is cleaned Des Moines Water Works; and enjoy food from one of the day’s vendors.
Where will you find eggs?
Eggs are mostly lying in the area we’re calling ‘The Wild’ – 400+ wooded acres north of the Raccoon River — and around the Lauridsen Amphitheater. The eggs are on the ground and at least 3 feet away from trails or other park infrastructure. You’re going to have to explore to find them! Please note that no eggs are hidden in Denmans Woods.
Please remember to leave no trace – stay off muddy trails, dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife and leave what you find (but please take an extraordinary egg!).
NOTE: Please limit yourself to keeping one egg so others may find and enjoy them, too.
Make a difference!
We’re providing trash bags for participants who would like to help clean up the park as they search. Make sure you check in at the different registration tables to pick up a trash bag and earn a chance to win a giant egg or a free glass blowing class at JJ Gaffers.
Again, thank you for joining us in celebrating Water Works Park and a special thanks to our sponsors and partners: Great Outdoors Foundation, Des Moines Water Works and JJ Gaffers!