ICONic Riverfest mobilizes 260 volunteers across Central Iowa, raising more than $86,000

DES MOINES, IA (June 15, 2026) – ICON Water Trails is pleased to announce the second annual ICONic Riverfest – presented by Polk County – removed nearly 500 pounds of trash and 21 trailer loads of invasive species surrounding the region’s waterways. The event raised over $86,000 and brought together 260 volunteers at 14 cleanup locations across ICON’s network, including Altoona, Bondurant, Clive, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Polk County, Polk County Conservation, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights.

ICONic Riverfest is a regional volunteer initiative dedicated to furthering ICON’s mission of improving the quality, safety, and enjoyment of central Iowa’s water trails, with funds raised by the event directly supporting these goals. The event began with a morning breakfast, with welcoming remarks from ICON Executive Director, Stephanie Oppel, and Polk County Supervisor, Angela Connolly. Volunteers then dispersed to cleanup sites across the region, where they worked in teams to remove trash and invasive species. Following the cleanups, volunteers celebrated the day’s achievements at Water Works Park with lunch and live music.

“ICONic Riverfest demonstrates what can happen when communities come together around a shared goal,” said Angela Connolly, Polk County Supervisor. “Volunteers from across the region dedicated their time and energy to improving our waterways, parks, and public spaces. Polk County is proud to support an initiative that strengthens our natural resources while creating lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike.”

“The incredible turnout and support for this year’s ICONic Riverfest highlights how much our community values healthy, accessible waterways,” said Stephanie Oppel, Executive Director of ICON Water Trails. “We are grateful to our volunteers, partners, and sponsors who contributed their time, resources, and enthusiasm to make this event a success.”

About ICON Water Trails  

ICON Water Trails is a regionally inclusive recreational confluence connecting culture, conservation, and adventure by empowering our waterways. ICON is creating a connected network of access points across 150 miles of rivers and creeks in Central Iowa. This transformational initiative represents a new commitment to water safety and conservation as well as a concerted effort to drive economic development, visitor attraction, and workforce retention