2012 - 2020 Completed Bond Projects

COMPLETED BOND PROJECTS
(2012 - 2020)

JULY 2012 - JUNE 2013

Organizational Development

• In order to maximize flexibility and efficiency in meeting operational demands and achievements of goals that grew from the passing of the Polk County Water & Land Legacy bond referendum, one Deputy Director position and one Construction Maintenance Supervisor position were created and filled.
• The Board approved a three-year project implementation plan for Polk County Water & Land Legacy in January 2013
• HR Green was hired to develop a mast plan for Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Dr. Keith Summerville of Drake University was also contracted to complete ecological research to assist with the development of this plan.

Recreation Enhancement

• A one-acre wetland was constructed to help improve Two Dam Pond’s water quality, along with pond dredging and the addition of three stabilization structures. Accessible recreation enhancements included a hiking trail with a bridge, fishing pier canoe access, and parking improvements.
• Construction began in June 2013 on four rental cabins at Jester Park. These cabins will provide park users with affordable and scenic overnight accommodations that offer many modern day comforts.
• The Board approved the name “Mark C. Ackelson Trail” for the future five-mile trail around Easter Lake. Ackelson blazed the way for Iowa’s trail system. He led efforts to create most of Iowa’s first trails in the 1980’s. During his three-decade career at the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, he helped protect over 130,000 acres of Iowa’s prairies, woodlands, lakes, and rivers. Plans and contracts for this trail were approved in June 2013.
• Work started in the fall of 2012 to build a public access, parking lot, and wildlife viewing platform adjacent to State Highway 65. Construction continued through spring of 2013 with lumber and volunteer assistance being provided by the IDNR. The overlook is now complete and open to the public. A kiosk and interpretive signage that will provide education information are scheduled to be in place by the spring of 2014.

Land Protection & Restoration

• More than 311 acres of land at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt has been purchased to complete a NE acquisition project (the “Shaw” Property) that has been in progress since the mid-2000’s. This land will eventually be restored to prairie and wetland that will benefit wildlife habitat and serve as a prime site for a variety of environmental education initiatives.
• A 28E agreement was made with IDNR to improve water quality and urban fisheries at the Fort Des Moines pond. Planning and design have been completed.
• Twenty-six acres of land was purchased at Beaver Creek Greenbelt along Highway 141. This riparian woodland area is a valuable wildlife habitat. Water quality improvements to Beaver Creek will begin with plans for bank stabilization.
• In Partnership with Metro Waste Authority, 49 acres of land was purchased along Camp Creek between Runnells and Mitchellville. This riparian corridor offers quality habitat and a great place for observing wildlife. Water quality improvements will occur as the stream bank is gradually stabilized. Future plans may involve constructing hiking trails through the area and recreational water access for pedestrians.
• Over 100 acres of land has been purchased at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt running along Highway 65, northeast of the Skunk River. This former in-holding now serves as the site of the newly constructed wildlife viewing platform. The low, wet prairie area creates an opportunity for wetland restoration and quality wildlife habitat.

 Infrastructure

• Existing paved roads at Easter Lake Park were in need of maintenance to extend their life and provide safe travel conditions. Dust from gravel surfaced roads presented sanitary health issues, maintenance difficulties, and mobility challenges for park visitors. Asphalt overlay between Shelters #3 and #4 was completed in addition to some crack sealing.

Resource Enhancement

• The City of Des Moines has transferred 84.9 acres of land in Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt to PCC as previously agreed upon completion of a wetland mitigation project.

JULY 2013 - JUNE 2014

Recreation Enhancement

• Construction on a new 2.5 mile connection of the Gay Lea Wilson Trail from Ankeny to Altoona reached completion. This trail is part of a 110 mile loop through central Iowa that connects existing parks, trails, and businesses in five counties. In addition to this trail connection, sections of the creek in the Fourmile Greenbelt have been stabilized.
• Thomas Mitchell Park underwent significant enhancements. A half-mile natural surface trail was constructed around the pond as well as shade structures and accessible fishing piers. Limestone steps were installed at various points throughout camp creek to improve recreational access to the water.
• Phase I of the Mark C. Ackelson Trail at Easter Lake reached completion in the fall of 2013. Summer 2014 saw the beginning of Phase II. This enhancement will provide park users and local residents with enhanced recreational opportunities and lake access. This trail will eventually be a part of the larger connected trail network between Ewing Park and Easter Lake, and the larger regional trail between downtown Des Moines and Carlisle.
• Jester Park hosted a Summer Kick-Off Celebration in June 2014. This event marked the grand opening of the Jester Park rental cabins. Park guests participated in canoeing and fishing on the newly renovated Discovery Pond, strolled along the new accessible trail and toured the cabins now open for reservation.
• Contracts were secured to begin construction on the Chichaqua Valley Trail Connection. Upon completion, this extension will connect trail users from Baxter to Des Moines.
• Available for the 2014 camping season, Campground #2 at Jester Park upgraded its 28 sites to full electric amenities in order to accommodate a higher demand for electric sites.
• Planning and design of a new outdoor classroom began on the south end of Fort Des Moines park adjacent to Studebaker Elementary. This feature will provide a setting for environmental education and programming.

Land Protection & Restoration

• Several properties were acquired by Polk County Conservation for the purpose of improved water quality, wildlife habitat protection, environmental education and outdoor recreation. These acquisitions include 8 acres at Thomas Mitchell Park, 22 acres at Yellow Banks Park, three locations adjacent to Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt totaling 180 acres, and 24 acres along the High Trestle Trail from Ankeny to Des Moines.
• Polk County Conservation has become an active player in the Fourmile Creek Watershed Management Authority. Enhancements both up and downstream to the Fourmile Creek Watershed have been on-going in an effort to improve water quality and flood control.
• Stabilization of the streambed and the inclusion of erosion control along Camp Creek at Thomas Mitchell Park were done in conjunction with recreation and access enhancements. This project has fulfilled several goals in the areas of water quality, protection of aquatic habitat, and reinforcement of park infrastructure.
• Restoration at Fort Des Moines Park's 14-acre pond began in an effort to improve recreational opportunities and quality of habitat. This popular urban fishing spot had experienced diminished performance due to siltation. Pond dredging, shoreline stabilization, and the construction of silt basins, rock checks and sills, and wetlands were a variety of methods used during this restoration process.

Infrastructure

• Ongoing enhancements continued at the Yellow Banks Park dam and pond area to improve access and recreational opportunities to the pond. The outlet and overflow structures will be replaced, and the top of the dam will be lowered eight feet to improve accessibility to the water.
• A new Jester Park entrance road was constructed on the west end of the park off NW 128th Ave. Once open to the public in the future, this new entry will provide park users with improved access to the park and the Jester Park Conservation Center.
• A new trailhead parking lot was constructed at Brown's Woods. Work also began to expand the nature trails in the park. Future amenities will include a restroom, drinking fountain, and kiosk station for park information and environmental education.
• A vehicular access bridge across Camp Creek at Thomas Mitchell Park was installed to separate shared foot and vehicular crossing. The former crossing will continue to be utilized for pedestrian crossing, while the new bridge will serve as a safe means for traffic to travel between the east and west sides of the park.

Resource Enhancement

• Polk County Conservation entered into a contract with Shive-Hattery that provided essential program management services related to Polk County Water and Land Legacy planning and project development.
• In a joint contract with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and as part of the Easter Lake Watershed Management Plan, property was acquired near Easter Lake to facilitate upcoming lake and watershed restoration strategies. This area will serve as valuable public land and wildlife habitat within the Des Moines River Greenbelt in future years.
• Planning and design for the Jester Park Conservation Center continued and preliminary site preparation took place. Fundraising to supplement bond contributions will continue in an effort to make this project a success.

JULY 2014 - JUNE 2015

Organizational Development

• A six-member team from the Conservation Corps of Iowa began their 10-month term in our family of parks and trails in early 2015. Devoting their time to bond-specific projects, these individuals focused primarily on natural resource restoration and park improvements.

 Recreation Enhancement

• Water quality has improved drastically at the Fort Des Moines pond following water quality and restoration efforts. The pond now boasts three feet of visibility throughout, the fishery has been restored and long-term sustainability of fishing has been protected.
• A Grand Opening Celebration on April 25th officially marked the opening of the Chichaqua Valley Trail connector to the Gay Lea Wilson Trail through Berwick and Bondurant which provides 8+ miles of new trail.
• Phase II of the Mark C. Ackelson Trail around Easter Lake is now complete and open to the public. This section encompasses approximately 1.75 miles of paved trail on the north side of the lake from Ewing Park to Evergreen Avenue providing safe trail use off the park road as well as improved trail access to adjacent neighborhoods. Phase III is expected to begin in 2017 dependent upon progress within the larger restoration project in Easter Lake.
• The State Recreation Trails Grant program has awarded Polk County Conservation with further funds to leverage bond dollars in the acquisition of an abandoned railway corridor. This future trail project will extend the High Trestle Trail from Ankeny to the north edge of Des Moines in future years.
• Plans for the Jester Park Nature Center continue to move forward. Final fundraising efforts are in full force following a feasibility study in which a project manager and fundraising consultant were hired as a means to ensure successful execution of planning and design efforts. PCC has taken feedback on this project into consideration as we gear up for raising the remaining funds for this outdoor recreation and conservation education gateway in Polk County.

Education & Outreach

• A new information kiosk and interpretive signage was installed at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt on the west side of US Highway 65/330 just north of Bondurant and the South Skunk River.

Land Protection & Restoration

• Two properties adjacent to Yellow Banks Park have been acquired for park enhancement. A 5-acre property near the park entrance has been secured for future use and park buffering. An additional 18.9 acres bordering Yellow Banks was purchased in an effort to further protect this watershed and provide quality wildlife habitat.
• A property just north of the Des Moines River and Easter Lake Park has been acquired as a repository for dredging materials that will be removed from the lake beginning in 2016. Future plans for this 258-acre site include valuable habitat for wildlife, parkland and new space for the paddle sport community.
• Polk County Conservation obtained a 160-acre property to the NE of Elkhart and west of the Skunk River as part of Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. It consists of the bottom of an old lake, floods regularly and intersects five different drainage ways. This valuable acquisition will provide excellent wildlife habitat and water quality benefits.

Infrastructure

• Redevelopment of Fort Des Moines Park continues. Work began on the south side of the park to convert the area in between the park and Studebaker Elementary into an outdoor classroom complete with nature trails, gathering areas, interpretive signage and prairie establishment. Additional proposed improvements in the works include new shelters, flush restrooms, peninsula trail/boardwalk/shade structures, improved trail system, boat ramp and fishing access.
• The Easter Lake Watershed Restoration project sits at the top of Polk County Conservation's priority list for 2016 and beyond. A public meeting was held in February about future plans within this project. Information for park users and local residents centered around upcoming restoration efforts, fisheries, rainscaping practices, trail progress and Lodge planning. An updated project timeline was also established for restoration work in Easter Lake and Yeader Creek through 2018.
• Dam reconstruction at Yellow Banks Park has been completed giving park users better access to the pond. Additional watershed improvements are currently underway as this park will continue to see more enhancements in the future.
• In cooperation with the City of West Des Moines, Polk County Conservation acquired a small parcel of land at the southeast corner of Brown's Woods. This land was utilized for installation of a new restroom facility, kiosk, drinking fountain, parking and trail connection. These new amenities began to take shape in the spring of 2015.

Resource Enhancement

• In an effort to improve water quality, rain gardens and a bioretention cell have been constructed as a part of the Mark C. Ackelson Trail Phase II. These features aid in filtration of water runoff from parking lots before entering the lake.
• A new master plan for Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is in progress. This plan will address future planning for this regionally significant conservation area that consists of more than 8,000 acres. Plans are expected to be finalized by December 2015.
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources planning grants have been awarded to the Walnut and Spring, Camp and Mud Creek Watershed Management Authorities. Polk County Conservation will be heavily involved in these associated water quality initiatives in the coming years in conjunction with PCC's own goals to monitor trends in Polk County waterways.

JULY 2015 – JUNE 2016

Organizational Development

• The 2016 Conservation Corps of Iowa crew began their 10-month term in our family of parks and trails earlier this year. Improvement of natural areas has been a priority with a focus on restoration of woodlands, wetlands and prairies.

Infrastructure

• Restroom Additions
  New CXT restrooms were placed at:
  • Jester Park: Shelter #2 and Camp Area #2
  • Thomas Mitchell Park: pond area
  • Yellow Banks Park: tent camping area
    
    
• Cabin Interior Stairways
  The upper and lower floors of the Jester Park cabins were made more easily accessible through the addition of interior stairways connecting the two floors.

Recreation Enhancement

• Extension to Chichaqua Valley Trail
  A trail extension connecting Mally’s Park in Berwick to the Chichaqua Valley Trail was completed. This connection offers trail users easier access to the amenities within the park as well as providing another port of entry to the Chichaqua Valley Trail from the park.
  
  
• Great Western & Bill Riley Trails Connect
  A trail extension to provide an all-weather connection between the Great Western Trail and the Bill Riley Trail was completed. This accessible section runs 1.25 miles from the parking lot south of George Flagg Parkway to 30th Street in Des Moines.
  
  
• Mark C. Ackelson Trail Progress
  Phase II of the Mark C. Ackelson Trail around Easter Lake is now complete and officially open to the public. This section encompasses approximately 1.75 miles of paved trail on the north side of the lake from Ewing Park to Evergreen Avenue, and provides safe trail use off the park road as well as improved trail access to adjacent neighborhoods. Trail design for Phase III is underway.
  
  

Land Protection & Restoration

• Chichaqua Habitat Restoration
  In partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a 311-acre property acquisition at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt was restored to a native landscape with wetlands and sprouting prairie providing habitat to returning wildlife.
  
  
• Chichaqua Addition to Save Watershed
  Thanks to swift, decisive action coupled with the ease of available natural resources funding through the Polk County Water and Land Legacy Bond, an ecologically sensitive 27-acre in-holding property within Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is now officially a part of this important reconstructed area. Acquisition of this property prevented what could have been a serious impact to water quality and wildlife habitat.
  
  
• Easter Lake Sediment Removal
  A tract of land, totaling 258 acres just north of the Des Moines River and Easter Lake Park, was acquired as part of the Easter Lake dredging project. This site is currently being utilized as a repository for the removed sediment from the lake. Future plans for this location include valuable habitat for wildlife, parkland and new space for the paddlesport community.

Education & Outreach

• Jester Park Nature Center Launch
  Party The plan to build central Iowa’s year-round playground destination, the Jester Park Nature Center, was announced to the public at a Launch Party in April. Hosted by Polk County Conservation and the Great Outdoors Foundation, event attendees learned about the project’s design plans, construction timeline and the impact on Iowa’s economic future and quality of life.
  
  
• Jester Park Nature Center Campaign
  A Campaign Leadership Team was formed in an effort to raise the remaining funds needed to bring the Jester Park Nature Center to life. This campaign sought to raise the necessary $2 million in remaining funds following design revisions which downsized the building to 17,700 square feet.
  
  
• Brown’s Woods Enhancement
  A Grand Reopening Celebration of the new Brown’s Woods trails and park facilities was held in October 2015. Participants grilled out and took part in several family activities following a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Resource Enhancement

• Easter Lake Dredging Project
  Restoration plans for Easter Lake began in late 2015. The lake was lowered by 4 feet in preparation for dredging to remove an accumulation of sediment from the lakebed. The dredging process began in April with the machines running in 12 hour shifts, 7 days per week.
  
  
• Easter Lake Rain Gardens
  Improve Watershed Rain gardens have been placed throughout Easter Lake Park as a means to filter runoff from the road and parking lots around the lake before it enters into the lake. This was a partnership project with Polk Soil and Water Conservation District.
  
  
• Fort Des Moines Park Renovations
  Fort Des Moines Park has gone through significant renovations throughout 2016. Resurfacing of the new hiking trails is now complete. Work on the peninsula, boardwalk, and park structures (shelters, boat ramp, restroom facilities, etc.) continue as part of the larger ongoing improvements within the park.

JULY 2016 – JUNE 2017

Park & Trail Enhancements

• Fort Des Moines Park
  Waterway stabilization, pond restoration and enhanced fisheries health were completed at Fort Des Moines Park. An outdoor classroom was built between the park and Studebaker Elementary with nature trails, gathering areas and prairie establishment. New flush restrooms were added, along with a peninsula trail and boardwalk, shade structures, improved trail system and bridges, and a boat ramp and fishing access around the pond. A new 3-season shelter was added and enhancements were made to shelters #1 and #2. A Grand Re-Opening Celebration was held in June of 2017.
  
  
• Easter Lake Park
  The completion of wet dredging allowed for Easter Lake to be completely drained by February 2017, so the lake bed could dry. Some in-lake restoration work began along with the completion of multiple erosion control and wetland projects in and around the lake.
  
  
• Mark C. Ackelson
  Trail Phase III of the Mark C. Ackelson Trail is on track to be completed in fall of 2017. Polk County Conservation worked with the City of Des Moines to rebuild and construct a new roadway and bridge on Evergreen Drive where it crosses the Easter Lake Dam.
  
  
• Yellow Banks Park
  Bond improvements at Yellow Banks Park began during this fiscal year. Expansion of the dam area resulted in better lake and trail access. Pond renovations and trail expansion also began on a new property acquisition that borders the park on the east side. Shelter #3 was removed and will eventually be replaced with a small group tent site.

Organizational Development

• Conservation Corps of Iowa
  Two six-member teams from the Conservation Corps of Iowa began their 10-month term in our family of parks and trails in early 2017. They devoted their time to bond-specific projects, focusing primarily on natural resource restoration and park improvements.
  
  
• Polk County Conservation Youth Corps
  In June of 2017 Polk County Conservation launched a new paid summer work opportunity for two crews of 10 youth, ages 15–18. The Polk County Conservation Youth Corps program mission is to transform not only the landscape in which the crews work but also to leave a lasting and positive impact on the individual crew members themselves through education, community engagement, cooperation, and meaningful work.

Recreational Enhancement

• Greater Des Moines Water Trails and Greenways Plan
  Polk County Conservation contributed to the Metropolitan Planning Organization for an Engineering Study as part of implementing the Greater Des Moines Water Trails and Greenways Plan. Completed in 2016, the water trails plan provides the region a roadmap for enhancing citizen recreation experiences in and along the 150 miles of waterways in Greater Des Moines.
  
  
• Jester Park Nature Center Groundbreaking
  The Jester Park Nature Center reached its fundraising goal of $10 million in part to tremendous private and public support. Ground was broken for the nature center on March 29, 2017. Construction for the nature center is currently underway and is anticipated to open during the summer of 2018.

Land Protection & Restoration

• Vandalia Wildlife Area at Easter Lake
  The former sand and gravel pit operation where dredge spoils from Easter Lake were relocated has been renamed to Vandalia Wildlife Area. This 258-acre park with a 140-acre lake, will eventually be developed for birding, hiking and fishing.
  
  
• Additional Acreage Added to Our Park System
  • In partnership with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Polk County Conservation acquired the Kimberly River Farm, made up of 348 acres, adjacent to Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.
  • Polk County Conservation acquired 6.6 acres of the Connor Delaney property along Yeader Creek by Easter Lake Park in early 2017.
  • In partnership with Metro Waste Authority and the Tom Murray family, Polk County Conservation acquired 15 acres of land along Camp Creek adjacent to Thomas Mitchell Park which will allow for erosion control along Camp Creek and additional recreational opportunities.
    
    
• Jester Park Equestrian Center
  Contracts to improve the Jester Park Equestrian Center with outlot grading, fencing, and storm water management improvement were awarded in spring of 2017. Work on these projects will begin in late summer of 2017. Additionally, the Polk County Conservation Board approved financial goals for the Equestrian Center, which recognized the need to decrease the amount of public funding over the next 3 years.

Resource Enhancement

• Polk County Water Quality Monitoring Program
  Polk County Conservation’s Water Quality Monitoring Program completed the first year of monitoring in October 2016. The first Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report was released in February 2017. Staff conducted assessments on 32 sites, twice per month, on creeks, streams and drainage ditches throughout Polk County. The goal of this program is to assess the water quality of watersheds within Polk County; creating a better understanding of the needs of our watershed system.
  
  
• Polk County Water and Land Legacy Bond
  Impact Study An Economic Impact Study led by Dr. Brian Vander Naald of Drake University began a three-year study that will quantify the economic value of the on-going bond projects in Polk County, specifically at Jester Park and Easter Lake Park.

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2018

Year at a Glance

JESTER PARK NATURE CENTER Opens its Doors
After four years of fundraising and sixteen months of construction, the Jester Park Nature Center opened its doors to the public on August 5, 2018. At the grand opening, visitors were able to explore the new habitat exhibits in the lower level of the center, attend live animal programming, canoe and kayak, and try their hand at air rifle and archery inside the newly renovated Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, adjacent from the nature center. More than 5,000 visitors attended a series of four grand opening events. The nature center continues to attract hundreds of people a week with programs, events, and pure curiosity.

LAKE RESTORATION to Breathe New Life into the Community
Renovations at Easter Lake began in September of 2017 to restore the watershed, clean up the lake waters, renovate the fishery, and more! Improvements included the addition of a multi-use trail that surrounds the lake, shoreline restoration, installation of erosion control mats and riprap, sediment control structures, a new boat ramp rebuild, invasive species control, repairing dam infrastructure, replacement of the bridge and Evergreen Ave. on the dam, and more. The lake began to refill in November of 2018 when the gate valve was closed. Easter Lake has been restored to its full glory and will once again be a shining star on the south side of Des Moines and its community!

PROTECTING LAND for Future Generations
Polk County Conservation’s mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and long-term protection of Polk County’s natural heritage. During this past year, the long-term protection of Polk County land was a major focus. A total of 1,439 acres was acquired for natural resources restoration, park development, and public use. Added land to our family of parks and trails creates easier access to favorite outdoor spaces, enhances the quality of our waterways, wetlands, woodlands, and prairies, and ensures adequate natural areas for our community now and in the future.

PARK AND TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS

• Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve
  The old hiking bridge along the Wilderness Loop at Brown’s Woods was replaced with a new bridge, connecting the trail over a creek in the fall of 2017.
  
  
• Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
  Work to begin restoring wetlands at the newly acquired properties within Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt began in November of 2017. Construction of a large wetland complex west of Highway 65 also began and is expected to be completed in August of 2019. Once completed, the area will consist of 15 acres of wetland and 65 acres of restored prairie.
  
  
• Easter Lake Park
  Dredging, shoreline work, in-lake restoration, installation of erosion control mats and riprap, sediment control structures, and fish habitats were completed in Easter Lake in 2018. New concrete was also poured for the Easter Lake Park boat ramp to improve lake access. In November of 2018, the gate valve to the lake was closed, allowing it to naturally fill back up.
  
  
• Jester Park
  Along with the construction of the Jester Park Nature Center and Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, a streamscape and trail leading from the center to Discovery Pond was created, as well as the addition of a trail from Discovery Pond to Shelter #5. *New park signage was installed at the golf course, lodge, park entrance, equestrian center, nature center, and driving range/miniature golf course. *Project was funded by REAP.
  
  
• Yellow Banks Park
  Improvements to Yellow Banks Park included the addition of a boat ramp and dock, three mini-shelters, fishing pier, CXT restroom, and sidewalk to the trail system around the pond. Site work and grading for the three rental cabins, set to be located on the new east addition near Oakview Pond was completed in the fall of 2018. Restoration work in Oakview Pond and the installation of boardwalk piers was completed in December of 2018; with construction of the cabins anticipated to begin in summer 2019.

Parking, traffic flow, and connection improvements were made to the entry playground area and campground #2. Gravel roads in the campgrounds were converted to asphalt in late 2017. Water and electricity was added to shelters #1 and #2. Lastly, two group campsites became available in 2018.

• Chichaqua Valley Trail
  Polk County Conservation worked with several landowners to develop and improve a section of land near the east I-80/I-35 mixmaster that extended the Chichaqua Valley Trail one mile south connecting it to Broadway Avenue and making room for a new trailhead.
  
  
• Mark C. Ackelson Trail
  A 4-mile trail surrounding Easter Lake, named the Mark C. Ackelson Trail, was completed in the fall of 2018. A 440’ pedestrian bridge was also constructed to connect the north and south side of the trail. This multiple span bridge mirrors the bow-string design concept of the other bridges on the trail, but along the railing of the pedestrian bridge, individual bridge plaque sponsors are recognized with a plaque bearing their name or company name, friend or loved ones’ name(s).
  
  
• Sycamore Trails
  Enhancements to the Sycamore Trailhead, off NW 66th in Johnston, were completed in May of 2018. The enhancements consisted of an information panel, bike fix-it repair station, bike rack, a commemorative bench, and trash receptacle.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Polk County Water Quality Monitoring Program
  Polk County Conservation’s Water Quality Monitoring Program completed its third year of monitoring in September of 2017. Trained staff and volunteers conducted bi-monthly assessments on 70 sites throughout Polk County. Baseline water quality data for Beaver, Big, Bluff, Camp, Carney, Case Lake Inflow, Crawford, Deer, Des Moines River Trail (at Hartford Ave.), Easter Lake Outlet, Fourmile, Frink, Greenwood Pond Inflow and Outflow Creeks, Golf, Indian, Jordan, Little Beaver, Magnolia, Mud, North Walnut, Paw, Prospect Park (unnamed creeks), Rock, Santiago, Saylor, Spring, Walnut, and Yeader creeks, as well as two drainage ditches, was collected during this past year. The goal of this program is to assess the water quality of watersheds within Polk County; creating a better understanding of the needs of our watershed system.
  
  
• Conservation Corps
  A 10-member team from the Conservation Corps of Iowa began their 10-month term in Polk County Conservation’s family of parks and trails in the winter of 2018. Devoting their time to bond-specific projects, these individuals focused primarily on natural resource restoration and park improvements.

RECREATION ENHANCEMENT

• Jester Park Golf Course
  The golf course and clubhouse underwent major upgrades as well as new management, C-Corp, in January of 2018. The clubhouse was gutted and remodeled, along with the addition of a banquet room and an outdoor patio with seating to accommodate golf outings. Renovations included updated restrooms, Pro Shop, a full-service commercial kitchen with an expanded menu for the Prairie Grass Bar and Grill, reconfigured service counter, and dine-in seating. A new fleet of electric golf carts was also included within the updates, equipped with Visage GPS units to aid with the pace of play and more.
  
  Course improvements included the addition of two small ponds to hole #11, with a fairway that runs through them continually on this par 5. Two new tees were added to hole #17, clearing the line of sight to the green for better visibility. The irrigation was also replaced for water efficiency and turf growth coverage to create an overall better quality course.
  
  Along with major golf course updates, an 18-hole miniature golf course was added to Jester Park, located next to the driving range. A new cart path was installed connecting the driving range to the golf course clubhouse, allowing for safer access between buildings. *Partial project was funded by enterprise funds.
  
  
• Jester Park Equestrian Center
  Work to improve the Jester Park Equestrian Center with outlot grading, new fencing, storm water management improvement, and the installation of a two inch water main for eight livestock waterers was completed in late fall of 2018. *Partial project was funded by enterprise funds.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

• Jester Park Nature Center Grand Opening
  The Jester Park Nature Center opened its doors to the public on August 5, 2018. The new nature center features three main habitat exhibits along with other interactive learning exhibits, classrooms, live animal exhibits, and beautiful views of Jester Park. It is also home to Polk County Conservation’s new headquarters.
  
  Along with the construction of the nature center, the former maintenance building, located adjacent of the nature center, was remodeled and transformed into the Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center. Inside this facility, you will find an air rifle and archery range. There, you can rent summer and winter equipment and purchase ice, firewood, and outdoor gear and clothing.

LAND PROTECTION & RESTORATION

• Additional Acreage Added to Our Park System
  • A two-acre land donation near the Jester Park Equestrian Center from Susan Ballard, was acquired in July of 2017. This land has become part of the larger publically owned and managed woodland at Jester Park.
  • The 19-acre parcel of land lying adjacent to county owned property known as the Gayla Wilson Property, was acquired in August of 2017. This property is old farmland that was overgrown and made up of both upland and floodplain. The restoration of this land will support water quality, wildlife, and recreational goals.
  • In partnership with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a 348-acre farm, known as Crane Meadows, was purchased in November of 2017. This parcel is one of the largest single acquisitions at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Restoration plans include doubling the size of the existing oak savanna, adding 50 acres of wetland, and restoring more than 200 acres of tallgrass prairie. Contributions from REAP, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation and the Mid-Iowa Retriever Club helped to defray acquisition costs for this parcel.
  • Forty acres of land that straddles the Skunk River and borders the existing Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt properties on the south and NE corner was purchased in March of 2018. This acreage will be restored to a prairie wetland complex that will provide wildlife habitat.
  • The Morgan Property, made up of 74 acres within the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt area, was acquired in July of 2018. This land has several restorable wetland basins, pushes Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt’s boundary to a road, and has been identified as a potential location for a new modern campground.
  • In partnership with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a 74-acre parcel of land was added to Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt in May of 2018. This land adds to our limited upland land base and boasts one of the highest points on the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt landscape. A potentially diverse and important addition, this property includes several restorable wetland features and a portion of Bluff Creek – a drainage that feeds the largest wetland complex at Chichaqua.
  • In June of 2018, Polk County experienced a historic single rain event that resulted in extensive flash flooding. One area hit particularly hard was the Fourmile watershed where numerous homes were damaged. In partnership with the City of Des Moines, Polk County Conservation will absorb 687 acres of properties that lie within the 500-year floodplain and include them within the Fourmile Creek Greenbelt Master Plan.

LAND PROTECTION & RESTORATION

• Bio Blitz at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
  In June of 2018, Polk County Conservation held a bio blitz where scientists and other experts focused on bats, fungi, odenates, herps, fish, and cyperaceae that live at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. A total of 128 species were sampled by 26 professionals and volunteers over the course of three days.
  
  
• Highway 65 Wetland
  Polk County Conservation began working on a long-term plan to re-hydrate areas at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. The Highway 65 plan concentrates on improved wetland development and improved wildlife habitat and wetland functionality across management boundaries. This project will increase our wetlands by 3.5 acres and prairie restorations by 13.6 acres.

RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT

•  Public Art
  Under the direction of the Polk County Conservation Public Art Committee, two major art pieces were installed at Jester Park. Prairie Reflections by Steve Huffman, located near the Jester Park entrance and *Whispers of Nature, located at the Jester Park Nature Center entrance by Reinaldo Correa now delight park visitors. *Funded by the Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2019

Year at a Glance

EXPANDING & PROTECTING Polk County’s Natural Heritage
In 2019, Polk County Conservation focused heavily on the long term protection of Polk County’s natural heritage by acquiring 161.4-acres. Land is acquired for reasons such as park expansion, environmental education, protection or restoration of wildlife habitat, open space, strategic location, diverse natural habitat possibilities, and water quality benefits. When looking at specific parcels of land, its location, natural features, defensible boundaries, and its restoration, education, and recreational potential are all taken into consideration. It is impossible to imagine what Polk County would be like today without a County Conservation Board.
 

EASTER LAKE PARK An Urban Connection to Conservation
After decades of planning, in-lake and shoreline restoration, and the addition of a new trail and pedestrian bridge, Easter Lake Park kicked off summer 2019 with a grand re-opening celebration to the public on

June 23. More than 1,500 guests were in attendance and enjoyed a fun and educational afternoon at Easter Lake Park. The public rode bikes along the Mark C. Ackelson Trail surrounding the lake, rode on pontoon boats, canoed, swam, and relaxed on the beach.

PARK AND TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS

• Easter Lake Park
  Easter Lake began filling back up in January and was completely full by March. A successful grand re-opening celebration was held on June 23, with over 1,500 people in attendance.
  
  Park improvements included a new CXT restroom that was installed between Shelters #1 and #2 and stream stabilization that took place at the south entrance. The stream stabilization project addressed runoff from a completely urbanized 34-acre sub-watershed. Native plants and rocks checks were designed to help stabilize the channel. Additionally, a bioretention cell was constructed that helps to infiltrate stormwater and reduce pollutant loading from a nearby roadway and smaller sub-watershed.
  
  Plans unfolded in late 2019 to relocate the Des Moines Rowing Club to Easter Lake. Proposed improvements include a new headquarters for the Rowing Club, an adaptive fishing boat/garage and accessible canoe/kayak launch, expanded beach and boardwalk with zero-entry dock, new beach concession and education/rental space, picnic shelters, and natural playscape. A Feasibility Study began in late 2019 to determine community interest and financial viability for this project.
  
  
• Jester Park
  Improvements to Jester Park included the addition of a new CXT restroom at Shelter #5, the construction of a wetland located near the golf course parking lot to capture runoff, and the installation of three biocells in the Jester Park Nature Center parking lot. Trail improvements and enhancements included the installation of steps to create easier access across Paw Creek and five additional interpretive signs around the Jester Park Nature Center.
  
  
• Mally’s Park & Trails End Wildlife Area
  With the help of park stewards from Cummins Central Power, a creek access step (similar to the steps at Thomas Mitchell Park) was installed south of the Chichaqua Valley Trail bridge. Additionally, a canoe/kayak launch is anticipated to be installed within the same area in the spring of 2020.
  
  
• Yellow Banks Park
  Park improvements included the installation of a bridge that crosses over Oakview Pond’s inlet, the construction of a boardwalk and trail improvements around Oakview Pond, and the installation of wayfinding signs along the trails throughout the park. Along with these improvements, the addition of three cabins are currently in the design phase with construction expected to begin in late summer 2020.
  
  
• Chichaqua Valley Trail
  A section of land was developed and improved near the east I-80/I-35 mixmaster that extended the Chichaqua Valley Trail one mile south, connecting it to Broadway Avenue and creating a new trailhead with a parking lot.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Polk County Water Quality Monitoring Program
  Polk County Conservation’s Water Quality Monitoring Program completed its fourth year of monitoring in September. Trained staff and volunteers conducted bi-monthly assessments on 70 sites throughout Polk County. Baseline water quality data for Beaver, Big, Bluff, Camp, Carney, Case Lake Inflow, Crawford, Deer, Des Moines River Trail (at Hartford Ave.), Easter Lake Outlet, Fourmile, Frink, Greenwood Pond Inflow and Outflow Creeks, Golf, Indian, Jordan, Little Beaver, Magnolia, Mud, North Walnut, Paw, Prospect Park (unnamed creeks), Rock, Santiago, Saylor, Spring, Walnut, and Yeader creeks, as well as two drainage ditches, was collected during this past year. The goal of this program is to assess the water quality of watersheds within Polk County; creating a better understanding of the needs of our watershed system.
• Conservation Corps
  A six-member team from the Conservation Corps of Iowa completed a 10-month service term in our family of parks and trails. Devoting their time to bond-specific projects, these individuals focused primarily on natural resource restoration and park improvements.

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
  Construction on the new Natural Resources Headquarters building at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt began in June. It will be located at 11201 NE 118th Avenue in Maxwell and is anticipated to be completed in spring of 2020.
  
  
• Thomas Mitchell Park
  The former Park Ranger house adjacent to the pond was remodeled and turned into a 3-bedroom rental cabin. The cabin opened to the public for reservations in July.
  
  
• Trestle to Trestle Trail
  In January, an ice jam washed away the Trestle to Trestle Trail Bridge in Johnston. A trail reroute was established and designs for the new bridge were finalized. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring of 2020.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH 

• Fall Makers Market
  Polk County Conservation hosted the first Annual Fall Makers Market – Locally Grown, Raised, and Created at the Jester Park Nature Center on November 24. The market was comprised of 30 local vendors from the surrounding area who showcased their talents. More than 1,000 visitors attended the free event and were able to shop for gifts, food items, roast marshmallows, and explore Jester Park.
  
  
• Easter Lake Celebration & Mark C. Ackelson Trail Grand Opening
  Easter Lake Park reopened to the public on June 23 during a celebration event that drew more than 1,500 guests. Polk County Conservation used this opportunity to tell the restoration story of the lake, recruit volunteers, and showcase the new recreation opportunities in the park.

LAND PROTECTION & RESTORATION

• Additional Acreage Added to Our Park System
  • A 76.2-acre tract at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt was purchased in July by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for future acquisition by Polk County Conservation. Most of this parcel is currently row cropped and will be restored to a prairie-wetland complex. Savanna and woodland restoration sites along Bluff Creek frontage have also been identified.
  • Two parcels totaling 29.4 acres were purchased in October and December along Muchikinock Creek north of Berwick, east of the Trails End Wildlife Area. Future restoration plans include stream remediation, wetland restoration, and savanna rehabilitation. This area is part of the 500-year floodplain of Fourmile Creek that will help address future water quality and flooding issues within the watershed.
  • A 19.8-acre acquisition west of the south entrance at Easter Lake Park was purchased in May from a local resident. Improvements to this forested property include invasive species control, timber stand improvement, trail establishment, and stream remediation.
  • A 36-acre land parcel in southeast Polk County, located in the Des Moines River floodplain, was transferred to Polk County Conservation by the Polk County Board of Supervisors in November. Future plans may include restoration of streams, wetlands, and plant communities.
• Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
  Work to restore a large wetland complex within Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, west of Highway 65, was completed in August. Once this wetland complex is seeded in 2020, it will consist of 14.7 acres of wetland and 64.6 acres of restored prairie.
  
  
• Fourmile Creek Greenway
  Work to execute the restoration plans along Fourmile Creek began in November. Polk County Conservation staff began clearing invasive species, restoring oxbows, and identifying locations for streambed improvements. This project will involve restoration, conversion, and enhancement of prairies, forests/woodlands, savannas, wetlands, and oxbows for the next 5 to 7 years.

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020

PARK & TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS

• Chichaqua Valley Trail
  Structural repairs to the Mud Creek Bridge along the Chichaqua Valley Trail between NE 64th St. and Grant St. were completed in December.
  
  
• Jester Park
  Landscaping around the Jester Park wayfinding signs was completed in June. Also, a new dump station that will be located near Skull Pond is currently in the design phase with construction anticipated to be completed by the fall 2021. And new bridal cottage with updated landscaping and a limestone step path were installed near the Jester Park Lodge in the summer.
  
  
• Yellow Banks Park
  Improvements to the trail around Oakview Pond were completed in January. Work on the foundation and framing of the new maintenance shop was completed in the spring.
  
  
• Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
  The new Natural Resources Headquarters at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt was completed in the fall. The facility has consolidated all natural resource staff and operations, and is expected to improve efficiency and the continuity of operations. Landscaping around the facility began in December.
  
  
• Trestle to Trestle Bridge
  In January 2019, an ice jam washed away the Trestle to Trestle Trail Bridge in Johnston. A trail reroute was established and designs for the new bridge were finalized. Design, engineering and permitting work was completed in December. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2021.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Polk County Water Quality Monitoring Program
  Polk County Conservation’s Water Quality Monitoring Program completed its fifth year of monitoring in September. Trained staff, city partners and volunteers conducted bi-monthly assessments on 70 sites throughout Polk County. Baseline water quality data for Beaver, Big, Bluff, Camp, Carney, Case Lake Inflow, Crawford, Deer, Des Moines River Trail (at Hartford Ave.), Easter Lake Outlet, Fourmile, Frink, Greenwood Pond Inflow and Outflow Creeks, Golf, Indian, Jordan, Little Beaver, Magnolia, Mud, North Walnut, Paw, Prospect Park (unnamed creeks), Rock, Santiago, Saylor, Spring, Walnut, and Yeader creeks, as well as two drainage ditches, was collected during this past year. The goal of this program is to assess the water quality of watersheds within Polk County; creating a better understanding of the needs of our watershed system.
  
  
• Conservation Corps
  A six-member team from the Conservation Corps of Iowa began their 10-month term in Polk County Conservation’s family of parks and trails on February 18. Devoting their time to bond-specific projects, these individuals focused primarily on timber stand improvement & invasive species removals.

 
RECREATION ENHANCEMENT  

• Easter Lake Park
  Installation of a new handicap accessible fishing dock near Shelter #4 was completed in June. The boat ramp parking lot underwent renovations in August that included an asphalt overlay of the entire parking lot and entrance road, expansion of the boat ramp, and improved traffic circulation and layout.
  
  Designs and cost estimates were developed for the installation of an accessible fishing boat dock, expanded beach and boardwalk, new beach concession/rental building, picnic shelters, natural playscape, expanded parking, and headquarters for the Des Moines Rowing Club. This project is currently on hold until 2021.
  
  
• Yellow Banks Park
  Surveying began in December within Yellow Banks Park to expand RV camping and add a new natural playscape.
  
  Three cabins set to be built in Yellow Banks Park are currently on hold due to financial constraints in 2020. Staff will revisit this project in the future when more funding becomes available.

LAND PROTECTION & RESTORATION

• Additional Acreage Added to Our Park System
  • Three parcels totaling 15.5 acres were acquired as additions to the east side of Yellow Banks Park. The properties adjoin the Alitz Tract which was acquired in 2013. These acquisitions add 5.5 acres of oak-hickory woodland and provide the opportunity for protection of the Yellow Banks Pond watershed. Future plans for these sites include removal of an abandoned home site, addition of a driveway for access off Vandalia Drive, and installation of fencing.
  • A 0.8-acre inholding along Fourmile Drive was purchased in August 2020 as an addition to our growing acreage in the Fourmile Creek Greenway. Removal of undesirable trees has commenced on the property, as this site will be restored to native prairie/oak savanna in coming years. Polk County Conservation and the City of Des Moines continue to work with willing landowners to acquire the few habited parcels remaining in this flood-prone area.
  • Twenty-five acres in the floodplain of the South Skunk River at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt was purchased in November 2020. It adds to recent nearby acquisitions on the south side of the river and will eventually be restored to a wetland-prairie complex. Polk County Conservation continues to acquire property in this important landform – focusing on less-desirable farm land in the flood plain to return these properties to their highest and best use - providing wildlife habitat and other ecosystem services.
    
    
• Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
  Planning, preliminary survey, and design work is underway for the restoration of a recently acquired 74.4-acre parcel at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. When completed, this area will feature five acres of restored wetland, a four-acre restored oak savanna, and more than 60 acres of restored tallgrass prairie.
  
  Kay’s Triangle and Big Ravine, located within Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, were seeded with 15 species of native grasses and 65 species of wildflowers in the spring.
  
  
• Fourmile Creek Greenway
  The Fourmile Creek Greenway restoration process began in January. This project will involve restoration, conversion, and enhancement of prairies, forests/woodlands, savannas, wetlands and oxbows over the course of 5-7 years.
  
  Design of the stormwater wetland at the corner of 35th street and Hull began in December. Anticipated completion date for construction is June of 2021. Once completed, this wetland will reduce pollutants from 25 acres of residential stormwater before the water enters Fourmile Creek.
  
  
• Jester Park
  In order to capture runoff from spring seeding near the Jester Park Golf Course parking lot, a wetland was constructed.
  
  Three bioretention cells designed to reduce water pollution and treat runoff from the parking areas at the Nature Center were installed and planted with native prairie grasses and wildflowers in June. This project included the installation of 12,750 plants, mulch, and amended soil.
  
  Renovations to Skull Pond, located across from Shelter #2, began in December and will continue throughout winter 2021. Other renovations include reworking the golf cart bridges, shoreline improvements, and a new outlet structure.
  
  
• Yellow Banks Park
  Design work to address erosion on the ravine that carries outflow from the newly-renovated Oakview Pond to Yellow Banks Pond was started in the fall. Anticipated physical improvements will stabilize soils, allow native vegetation to reestablish, limit sediment transport into Yellow Bank Pond, and increase the longevity of recent renovation efforts within the pond itself.

  
RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT

• Conservation Corps
  In February, the Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa officially moved their headquarters to the former Polk County Conservation Administration Building, located within Jester Park.
  
  
• Jester Park
  A new mindful contemplative area was installed in the summer behind the Jester Park Nature Center with help from a generous, in-kind donation from Redbud Landscaping. This area is used for public programming and invites park users to sit quietly amongst nature.
  
  
• Mally’s Park
  With the assistance of park stewards from Cummins Central Power, creek access steps were installed at Mally’s Park, south of the Chichaqua Valley Trail bridge in January. A canoe/kayak launch was also installed in the spring of 2020 in conjunction with the Central Iowa Water Trails project.
  
  
• Trails End Wildlife Area
  A ribbon cutting celebration was held on October 29, 2020 in partnership with JEO Consulting Group for Trails End Wildlife Area. Eventually, this 200+ acre expansive natural area will be the largest mitigation bank in the state and offer visitors a variety of low impact outdoor recreation opportunities. It will provide miles of multi-use trails for walkers, runners, bird watchers, and others looking for respite in the natural world. It also will allow for incredible wildlife-watching opportunities. The area is currently traversed by two paved trails, the Gay Lea Wilson and the Chichaqua Valley trails with additional trailside amenities under consideration. The area will include a pond/wetland of sufficient depth and size to support a fishery. Several parking lots will be installed, and restroom and picnic facilities are under consideration.