Recent Projects
Imagine Grinnell is turning imagination into action by creating a more vibrant, sustainable and healthy community in Grinnell, Iowa. Since 1985, the program has innovated and spearheaded a multitude of significant initiatives including the development and growth of the local Farmer’s Market, construction of a state-of-the-art skate park, overseeing incubator projects such as curbside compost pickup, hosting and directing a regional annual gravel bike ride event, maintenance of community gardens and many more impactful programs. Working to create healthier people and a healthier environment in the Grinnell community, Imagine Grinnell embraces community collaboration.
Imagine Grinnell and its partners are taking focus on a handful of projects and initiatives aimed at keeping the community vibrant, enhancing sustainability and creating an overall healthy environment for all.
This program relies on volunteers to support and sustain their efforts, please click the button below to sign up today.
Prairie Burn 100 Gravel Bike Ride and 5K Fun Run
See the Prairie Burn website for more information!
Grinnell Bike Share
Grinnell Bike Share is a program of Imagine Grinnell, encouraging participation in a healthy outdoor activity while building community and increasing bike awareness in Grinnell. Bikes are available to rent for free at the Bikes to You location in Grinnell.
🌞 Beat the Heat and Save Energy This Summer! 🌞
Looking for simple ways to lower your energy bills while staying comfortable?
✅ Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day.
✅ Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air.
✅ Change your HVAC filter regularly for better efficiency.
✅ Run dishwashers and laundry machines during cooler evening hours.
✅ Seal drafts around doors and windows to keep cool air inside.
Small changes can make a big difference for your wallet and the environment!
What are your favorite energy-saving tips? Share them in the comments below.
#imaginegrinnell #EnergyEfficiency
Calling all volunteers! We have 9 spots open for volunteers to help out with our "Berry" Good Time event next Wednesday from 4-6pm at Bailey Park Elementary School Giving Garden! There are 3 spots to help set up, 3 to help run the event, and 3 to help clean up!
Please sign up using Point (sign up, verify account through your email, use the volunteer tab on the left to search "Claude & Dolly Ahrens Foundation" in the organization filter, and click "Berry Salad Event Volunteering" to sign up for a slot!). Or see the link below and in our bio.
dash.pointapp.org/events/717753
We look forward to seeing you out there volunteering or attending the "berry" fun event!
🥾 Love exploring the outdoors? Help us blaze new trails in Grinnell! 🚴♂️🌲
Our Trail Team volunteers have been hard at work designing and maintaining soft trails around Arbor Lake for walking, running, and biking. But to keep expanding and improving our community’s trail system, we need your help!
Whether you are an avid mountain biker, a daily walker, or someone who just loves giving back to the environment, there is a place for you on the team.
🛠️ No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and a pair of sturdy shoes. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the summer weather, meet neighbors, and leave a lasting legacy on Grinnell’s landscape.
Ready to get your hands a little dirty for a great cause? Drop us a message or comment below to join the Trail Team volunteer roster! 👇
#ImagineGrinnell #TrailTeam
🍅 Fresh, local, and free for everyone! Welcome to Marvin Garden. 🥬🌻
As one of Grinnell’s "Giving Gardens," Marvin Garden is rooted in the belief that everyone in our community deserves access to fresh, healthy produce. Anyone is welcome to stop by and harvest what they need!
But keeping a garden blooming, weeded, and thriving takes a village. We are looking for volunteers to join us for our weekly garden upkeep sessions:
🗓️ Every Wednesday & Saturday
⏰ 10:00 AM
Whether you have a green thumb or have never planted a seed in your life, we’d love to have you. It’s a peaceful, rewarding way to spend a summer morning.
👉 Grab your spot and sign up to volunteer here: dash.pointapp.org/events/680643
#MarvinGarden #GivingGardens #FoodSecurity
Volunteers are needed for the Prairie Burn 100 Gravel Bike ride and Fun Run on June 6! Fun opportunities and a free T-shirt!
👫 Grab a friend and sign up today for fun run support, registration, and more
📅 Different times throughout the day and only 2 hour shifts
Questions? Send an email to jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org or call 641-236-5518
Sign up here: dash.pointapp.org/events/629860
New trees for Grinnell! 🌳
We delivered and planted 45 new trees today. A big shoutout to our volunteers from Grinnell Mutual, Brownells, and Bayer Crop Science.
Thank you for the loading, digging, mulching, planting, and watering. A job well done!