The Des Moines Park and Recreation Department, Metro Waste Authority, the Polk County Conservation Board and Operation Downtown are recognizing Earth Day with the annual Earth Day Trash Bash – a cleanup event to give downtown a fresh start to the spring season – from 1 to 5 p.m. April 22. Volunteers are needed to clear away winter debris, remove invasive plant species, clean up litter, and beautify our parks, trails, cemeteries and other public spaces. Businesses are encouraged to form teams and compete in the Trash Bash Challenge. Prizes will be awarded for things such as the most unusual item found and team spirit. Registration deadline is noon April 6. Registration is available at www.dmparks.org. For more information, call Callie Le’au Courtright at 248-6380 or send email to parksvolunteer@dmgov.org for more information.