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Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake
Conservation Promoted
Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake

During the summer recreation season, Polk County Conservation staff are regularly monitoring the water in Easter Lake, taking samples weekly for testing. Every week on Thursday or Friday, weekly results will be posted here.

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6/12/2025

What We Know About the Water Quality in Polk County
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What We Know About the Water Quality in Polk County

About ten years ago, much community attention and public dialogue was swirling around the topic of Iowa’s water quality. Polk County Conservation (PCC) launched its water quality monitoring program in 2015 to fill the data gap.

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5/29/2025

Prairie Stomp Music Series returns in 2025
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Prairie Stomp Music Series returns in 2025

In its fourth year, the overwhelming popular music series is adding a new location and three more shows! Relax to the rhythm of incredible, local music and nature's own melody in the middle of two beautiful Polk County Parks.

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4/24/2025

Scenic Iowa Adventure Bus Tour: Boone, Iowa
Conservation Events
Scenic Iowa Adventure Bus Tour: Boone, Iowa

Our journey begins at Jester Park where you'll encounter two of North America's most iconic creatures: the majestic elk and the powerful bison. You’ll learn about these magnificent animals, their history, and their vital role in the prairie ecosystem.

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6/12/2025

River Rats Camp
Conservation Events
River Rats Camp

If you have a young experience paddler looking for a challenge, then this camp is for them. We will explore two different Central Iowa rivers and test their paddling skills. We’ll also learn about river ethics, safety, geology, ecology, and take time to just play.

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6/12/2025

Jr Horse Adventures Camp (ages 5-7)
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Jr Horse Adventures Camp (ages 5-7)

Discover nature and horsemanship at Jester Park Equestrian Center! Our beginner-friendly camps are a great introduction to horses while exploring the outdoors.

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6/12/2025

Invasive Buy Back Program
Conservation News
Invasive Buy Back Program

Polk County Conservation is implementing a Callery (Bradford) Pear and Burning Bush “buy-back” program for residents of Polk County, Iowa.

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5/1/2025

Prairie Stomp Summer Concert Series - Easter Lake
Conservation Events
Prairie Stomp Summer Concert Series - Easter Lake

Join us outside the Easter Lake Event Center for our 2025 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series beginning on June 12! Each month, through August, a local, Iowa band will kick off the evening with live music. We will have Picket Fence Creamery ice cream on site for purchase.

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6/12/2025

New Beginnings: Explore New Spots this Summer
Conservation News
New Beginnings: Explore New Spots this Summer

From groundbreakings for new projects to ribbon cuttings for completed parks, this summer will be filled with new beginnings and new spots for you to explore.

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4/30/2025

Dig Your Natives: Prairie Production Plots
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Dig Your Natives: Prairie Production Plots

Join Polk County Conservation’s efforts to restore our prairies and preserve local biodiversity!

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6/13/2025

Snowshoe Trails & Treks
Conservation News
Snowshoe Trails & Treks

This winter when the snow flies and those fluffy flakes are calling, take the opportunity to try something new.

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1/27/2025

Guided Trail Rides (9:30am, 11am & 2pm)
Conservation Events
Guided Trail Rides (9:30am, 11am & 2pm)

Come saddle up and join us in the great outdoors for a scenic horseback trail ride!

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6/13/2025