Business Betterment Opportunities
Polk County Conservation Board is now offering some exciting programs and opportunities to businesses and organizations. The Conservation Board has one of the best Environmental Education departments in the state of Iowa and has won numerous awards. No matter if your business is large or small, we have something for you and your employees.
Challenge Course and Team Building
The Adventure Learning Center is a new state-of-the-art challenge course facility owned and operated by ISU Polk County Extension and Polk County Conservation Board in collaboration with Living History Farms. On the surface, this challenge course appears to be a maze of hidden poles, cables and ropes nestled in the woodlands. In reality, this is a dynamic outdoor classroom experience that provides a balanced combination of physical, emotional and mental challenges.
Training Program Outcomes
- Enhanced team building skills
- Encouraging positive leadership
- Individual growth
- Discovery of personal & group resources
Polk County Conservation Board naturalists have been trained and certified to lead groups through the course. To schedule your group today, contact Martha McCormick (515-263-2660). For more information about the course, visit www.adventurelearningcenter.com. Funding for the design and construction of the course was provided through grants secured from the U.S. Department of Education and Prairie Meadows Racing Commission.
Lunch ‘n Learn
Looking for some fun and educational programs for your business? Polk County naturalists are skilled educators able to teach a variety of topics. Choose a topic from the following list or come up with one of your own.
- Animals of Iowa
- Woodland Wildflowers
- Bats
- Birds/Birdwatching
- Butterfly Gardening
- Endangered Species
- Family Fun
- Habitats of Iowa
- Insects
- Invasive Species
- Landforms and Geology of Iowa
- Mammals of Iowa
- Monarch Tagging (September only)
- Owls
- Pelicans
- Polk County Conservation Board…general overview of our parks, trails, and services
- Rain Gardens
- Reptiles
- Saylorville Lake Osprey Project
Inquiries and scheduling can be directed to Patrice Petersen-Keys (515-323-5359).
Outdoor Skill Opportunities
Experienced naturalists are available to lead your group on an exciting outdoor adventure. Training may vary from basic instruction to a multiple day adventure trip. Prices will vary on the length of time and adventure.
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Bird Watching
- Snow Shoeing
- Orienteering
- Backpacking
- Ice Fishing
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Basics
Inquiries and scheduling can be directed to Patrice Petersen-Keys (515-323-5359).