Conservation
Snowshoe Trails & Treks
Conservation Promoted
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

Plotting a Comeback
Conservation Promoted
Plotting a Comeback

Growing, harvesting rare native plants

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6/25/2024

Knee-High Naturalists
Conservation Events
Knee-High Naturalists

Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun! As naturalists we will hike, investigate, and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place.

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2/12/2025

Invasive Species Removal: Fort Des Moines Park
Conservation Events
Invasive Species Removal: Fort Des Moines Park

This volunteer opportunity offers a fun and meaningful service-learning experience. Volunteers will sharpen their skills in identifying native and nonnative plant species, learn effective invasive removal techniques and ways to positively impact native habitat at Fort Des Moines.

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2/14/2025

Conservation News
Hiking Trail Updates at Easter Lake Park

Hiking trail improvements are in motion at Easter Lake Park thanks to Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond (PCWLL) funding and successful efforts of timber stand improvement.

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11/4/2024

Archery Date Night
Conservation Events
Archery Date Night

Bring a loved one for a fun night of Archery! We will learn the basics of archery while covering safety and range rules, equipment, and proper shooting techniques using a compound bow. Instructions, equipment, and light refreshments will be provided.

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2/14/2025

Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake
Conservation News
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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9/5/2024

Owl You Need is Love
Conservation Events
Owl You Need is Love

Join us to celebrate Iowa’s true winter romantics…the owls! By Valentine’s Day owls are often sitting on a nest of eggs. Learn why owls court in winter, and which owls call Iowa home.

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2/15/2025

2024 Prescribed Burning Season
Conservation News
2024 Prescribed Burning Season

Prescribed burn season is upon us! Our Natural Resource Crews will be conducting prescribed burning in our parks and trails as weather allows for the next month.

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8/20/2024

Toddler Tales at Easter Lake
Conservation Events
Toddler Tales at Easter Lake

Let your imagination run wild with this fun, nature-themed story time! Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or craft.

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2/18/2025

Celebrate the Olympics with Polk County Conservation
Conservation News
Celebrate the Olympics with Polk County Conservation

Watching the Olympics can inspire you to start a new hobby or adventure. And Polk County Conservation can start you off in just the right location.

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8/2/2024

Women in the Woods with Wine - Archery and Axes
Conservation Events
Women in the Woods with Wine - Archery and Axes

Learn the basics of archery and axe throwing on an indoor range. We’ll cover eye dominance, archery safety rules, equipment, and proper shooting techniques using a compound bow.

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2/18/2025