Conservation - Polk County Iowa

Polk County Conservation

Mark your calendars for the Grand Opening of the Jester Park Nature Center on August 5, 2018!

Spring is almost here! Try backpacking at Yellow Banks Park!

It's soon to be camping season. What Polk County Conservation Park will you explore?

Stay updated on park improvements to enhance recreation areas & wildlife habitat under the Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond link.

Volunteer opportunities are available year-round. Check the calendar of events for upcoming work 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

Click the logo above for more information

Click the logo above to visit the nature center website.

Click the logo above for more information

Reserve a Campsite or Shelter Online at

News & Announcements

Cold Temperatures Impacting Water Service to Parks & Campgrounds

Due to weather, water will NOT be turned on in our parks and campgrounds this week. However, it is likely that water will be turned on by next week. Please chec…

Spring Prescribed Prairie and Woodland Burning in PCC Parks

Polk County Conservation staff will be conducting prescribed prairie and woodland burns during the next few weeks at Beaver Creek Greenbelt, Chichaqua Bottoms G…

Nature News Hot Off the Press!

Hot off the press – the newest edition of Nature News is now available online! Find out what is going on in your favorite park and what events and programs are …

Grand Opening of the Jester Park Nature Center Scheduled for August 5

Join us as we celebrate the long awaited Grand Opening of the Jester Park Nature Center on Sunday, August 5 from 1 - 5 PM! Explore the new nature center with yo…

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 21, 2018Earth Day Park Beautification

Kick off Earth Day in one of our county parks! Help beautify an urban forest preserve and adjacent roadways as we remove litter from Brown’s Woods and along 63rd Street. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes and bring gloves if you have a pair. Coffee, hot cocoa and water will be available – be ...

Saturday, April 21, 2018Wildflower Hike - Cancelled

This wildflower hike has been cancelled. Unseasonably cold temperatures and snow have resulted in delay of spring wildflowers. Please plan to join us on Sunday, April 29 from 1-2 at Thomas Mitchell Park for another Wildflower Hike. Hike through the woods to view and identify the dazzling display ...

Sunday, April 22, 2018Earth Day Bike & Cache

Join us on a biking and geocaching adventure! Meet at the Chichaqua Valley Trail be ready to bike a few miles as we search for geocaches hidden near the trail. FREE. No registration required. Download the free app “c:geo” or “Geocaching” on your smart phone before you arrive....

Sunday, April 29, 2018Wildflower Hike

Hike through the woods to view and identify the dazzling display of spring wildflowers. FREE. No registration required.

Monday, May 7, 2018Nature Friends - Busy Beavers

Join a naturalist in a nature adventure for 3-5 year olds with an adult! We will explore a different nature topic each evening through stories, sharing time, guided exploration, and art activities. Snacks will be provided. This program is sponsored by West Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Partici...

Tuesday, May 15, 2018Nature Friends - Silly Salamander

For more information about upcoming events, see our calendar.