Curious about what's going on at First Unitarian Church?

Water Quality is Local

For more than 70 years, First Unitarian Church has been a steward of the woods and creek on our 4.5-acre property. Our stream serves as a major tributary and final filter for the 400-acre watershed that delivers stormwater from the Wakonda Country Club to Gray’s Lake. In recent years, the lake and surrounding areas have suffered significant water quality challenges. Plus, our church has experienced episodes of flash flooding when heavy rains swamp the neighborhood. This contributes to creek bed erosion and the runoff that carries pollutants into the water.

Taking Action

Both the water quality issue and our flooding problems can be addressed by implementing an urban stormwater management plan.

Our project includes:

Building bioretention cells to filter water runoff

Removing invasive vegetation (including some trees) and planting native species

Natural in-stream restoration and streambank restoration

Resurfacing the east parking lot to manage runoff

Installing a sustainable bridge to reconnect the floodplain between our east parking and east entrance

Adding a sidewalk along the east edge of our property

Serving as a model and education center for best stormwater management practices for public and private landowners

First Unitarian is grateful for grants from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Urban Conservation Program and the City of Des Moines Stormwater Best Management Practices Program that are helping us carry out our plans.

Ongoing Updates

To complete the woods and creek work, there will be periodic street closures along Druid Hill Drive. If you have questions, please call the First Unitarian Church office (515-244-8603 x103) to speak with our Director of Administration.

Watershed Map

Our stream serves as a major tributary for 400-acre watershed from Wakonda Country Club to Gray's Lake.

Flash Flooding Reality

Current bridge flooded with water after heavy rains in the area.

Bioretention Cell

Rendering of bioretention cell to filter water runoff