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Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake
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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

Shooting Camp
Conservation Events
Shooting Camp

This camp will introduce participants to the lifelong sport of target shooting. We'll learn the basics of archery, air rifle and even throw Atlatls. The experience continues with a visit to the Butch Olofson Shooting Range where we'll practice our skills.

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6/16/2025

Horse Adventures Camp (ages 8-12)
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Horse Adventures Camp (ages 8-12)

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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6/16/2025

Hike for Health at Fort Des Moines Park
Conservation Events
Hike for Health at Fort Des Moines Park

Why walk the mall when you can enjoy the great outdoors? Hike along with this friendly group of nature lovers who walk the trails each month for exercise and fun. Enjoy the camaraderie and explore some new trails.

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6/16/2025

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

Sunset Yoga at Jester
Conservation Events
Sunset Yoga at Jester

Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the outdoor plaza or the Great Hall of the Jester Park Nature Center. The class will begin with a short nature hike to give participants a chance distress and enjoy the beauty of nature. The yoga class is perfect for beginners.

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6/16/2025

New Beginnings: Explore New Spots this Summer
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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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6/17/2025

Snowshoe Trails & Treks
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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

Surf and Turf Camp
Conservation Events
Surf and Turf Camp

Embark on an unforgettable adventure where we explore the best of both worlds – land and lake! Campers will learn about the similarities and differences of each ecosystem and complete hands-on activities to immerse themselves in nature discovery.

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6/17/2025