Conservation - Polk County Iowa

Polk County Conservation

Visit your Polk County family of parks to see spring at its finest. (Photo: J Merriman)

Campgrounds are now open Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Jester, Thomas Mitchell, & Yellow Banks Park. More info at www.MyCountyParks.com (Photo: Kayla Shepherd)

Check out the PCC calendar of events for a variety of activities and programs this season!

Park improvements to enhance recreation areas and wildlife habitat continue. Keep up-to-date on all projects under the Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond link.

Grab your hiking boots or trail running shoes and enjoy natural trails at Brown's Woods!

Volunteer opportunities are available year-round. Check the calendar of events for upcoming field days and events.

The Polk County Conservation Board’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.

Leading You Outdoors

Quicklinks

Please click the icon above for more information.

Please click the icon above for more information about the Jester Park Nature Center

Reserve a Campsite or Shelter Online at

News & Announcements

Fort Des Moines Park Summer Celebration

Come help us celebrate the park improvements that have been completed at Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter #3 on Thursday, June 22 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Get in on …

Boat Ramp & Water Trails Campsites Closed at Yellow Banks Park

The boat ramp and water trails campsites at Yellow Banks Park are closed as of 5/22/2017 due to an unsafe rise in the water level. They will reopen once the wat…

Jester Park Welcomes 2 New Calves to the Bison Herd

Jester Park has welcomed two new additions to our bison herd within the past few weeks. The first calf was born on April 26 and the youngest on May 5. Both are …

Road Closure in Jester Park through Mid-June

Due to inclement weather over the past few weeks, interior road work at Jester Park has fallen behind schedule and is now anticipated to open mid-June. The sect…

Upcoming Events

Thursday, June 1, 2017Gardens, Balloons & Spirits Eco-Bus Trip

Step on board for day of discovery in Warren County. Our first stop will be the Garden Barn. The restored 1886 post and beam barn specializes in nature inspired decor, garden art and miniature fairy gardens. Next stop is the National Balloon Museum. Lunch at Crouse Café where the #1 r...

Friday, June 2, 2017Dragons in Polk County

We have dragons living in Polk County; dragonflies and damselflies that is. Come learn how these magnificent aerialists spend most of their day hovering, diving, flying backwards and upside down, reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour to ambush their food, other flying insects! **Beginning on Monda...

Saturday, June 3, 2017National Trails Day

You’re invited to help support our treasured public trails; to give back, learn and celebrate National Trails Day at Jester Park. Polk County Conservation, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and REI West Des Moines invite you, your friends and family out to celebrate our 2nd Annual National T...

Tuesday, June 6, 2017OWLS - A Visit with Ding Darling

Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors Looking for an excuse to get out of the house, make some new friends, enjoy a good meal and learn about the exciting world of nature? Then join us! These programs are held the first Tuesday of each month. The nature program will start at 11:00 a.m. at the Jester ...

Wednesday, June 7, 2017Nature's Story Hour - Birding Bonanza

Bring your picnic lunch, blanket and family for an hour of nature stories and activities with a PCC Naturalist. This family friendly program is free and all ages are welcome.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017Wild Edible

Ever wonder what those pesky weeds in your yard are good for? Come take a walk on the wild edibles side! You’ll learn to identify the common, edible plants around you and get a few new recipes to try at home! We will prepare and sample a variety of edible plants so bring an appetite. Pre-regis...

For more information about upcoming events, see our calendar.