Glendale Cemetery Pond Rehabilitation 10-11-2024

Thanks to an urban conservation grant from the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and support from local sources, the City of Des Moines recently completed a wet pond rehabilitation project in Glendale Cemetery, located in central Des Moines.  

In the spring of 2023, the Department awarded the City of Des Moines a $250,000 urban water quality cost-share grant, utilizing funding from the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and Conservation Infrastructure Program (CIP). The grant helped leverage a total of $1 million from the city and local sources to complete the project. Rehabilitation work was completed in August 2024. 

Glendale Cemetery Pond, which was originally constructed in 1939, is located at the headwaters of Waveland Creek Watershed, which flows into Walnut Creek, and, eventually, the Raccoon River. Prior to the rehabilitation project, the 2-acre pond, which receives urban runoff from approximately 122 acres, suffered from extensive shoreline erosion and sedimentation.  

The rehabilitation process included draining water and removing sediment, which increased the pond’s storage capacity, reduced peak runoff rates and reduced erosion downstream. To further reduce erosion and sedimentation, a modified outlet structure was installed to control the flow of water released following storm events and the pond banks were re-shaped. Finally, native vegetation was planted to provide additional stabilization to the banks of the pond, deter unwanted waterfowl, provide food for pollinators and add to the public’s enjoyment.  

Congratulations to the City of Des Moines for completing this significant water quality project. As a result, the Glendale Cemetery Pond will continue to be enjoyed by thousands of visitors for many years to come – offering a beautiful and tranquil place for remembrance and reflection.  

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is accepting pre-applications for cost-share grants to support urban conservation projects through Nov. 22 at 4:30pm. For more details and to apply, visit the Department’s website.