Volunteers Needed for Community Garden Clean-Up in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers to serve as Garden Buddies during the annual end-of-season community garden clean-up. Garden Buddies help prepare community garden plots for the next growing season by removing non-organic items such as fencing, stakes, and tomato cages.

Clean-up events will take place October 20-25, 2025. Flexible scheduling makes this opportunity ideal for groups of 6-20 volunteers, though individual participation is also welcome. City staff will provide on-site training, and volunteers are asked to dress for outdoor work and bring water.

"This is a hands-on way to support local food access and keep our community gardens thriving," said Carrie Mardorf, Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Director. "It's also a great team-building activity for families, coworkers, or community groups."

Those interested in volunteering can learn more at CityOfCR.com/Volunteers or by contacting Stephanie Schrader at 319-286-5855 or [email protected].