dome is constructed of 665 plexiglass panels. In September 2020, CEO Stephanie Jutila resigned and was succeeded by Kim Perez in March 2021. Dining and events The Trellis Café open for lunch is located inside the Botanical Center with its entrance accessible under the dome through the gardens. Various events occur at the Botanical Center including a summer concert series which starts in June. March 2021 planned improvements In March 2021, the Botanical Center revealed its plans for the development of an additional which will include improved connections to both I-235 and the riverfront, an additional exterior entrance to the Trellis Café, a willow garden near the river with water and sand areas for children and families to enjoy, a River Cafe with edible fruit and vegetables planted nearby, restrooms, an amphitheater located in natural topography with a dry garden overlooking the amphitheater, and an elevated pathway through a canopy of trees in the rolling hills of the heavily wooded space. Nearby recreational trails Located between the Botanical Center and the Des Moines River in the greater Des Moines trails system, the Neil Smith Trail and the John Pat Dorian Trail connect just north of the Botanical Center along the eastside of the Des Moines River. Portions of these trails may be underwater when the Des Moines River is above flood stage between the Saylorville Dam and downtown Des Moines. See also List of botanical gardens in the United States References External links Des Moines Botanical Garden Botanical gardens in Iowa Geography of Des Moines, Iowa Tourist attractions in Des Moines, Iowa Greenhouses in Iowa Protected areas of Polk County, Iowa 1979 establishments in Iowa