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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1/13/2025

Plotting a Comeback
Conservation Promoted
Plotting a Comeback

Growing, harvesting rare native plants

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6/25/2024

Women in the Woods with Wine - What's in your Watershed
Conservation Events
Women in the Woods with Wine - What's in your Watershed

Like an umbrella, our buildings, paved surfaces, and compacted soils shed water instead of allowing it to naturally soak into the ground. This leads to flooding and water quality problems across the Des Moines metro and other urban areas in Iowa.

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1/21/2025

DIY - Moss Wall Art
Conservation Events
DIY - Moss Wall Art

Bring nature into your home by creating moss wall art! Supplied with an (10x10) wood frame and an assortment of preserved moss you’ll be sure to create a beautiful art piece for your home. Instructions and materials will be provided.

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1/25/2025

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

Snowshoeing and Forest Bathing
Conservation Events
Snowshoeing and Forest Bathing

Enjoy an active hour of snowshoeing followed by two hours of forest bathing. Brandy Case Haub, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, will be leading this interactive class. If there is no snow, we will go on a winter woodland hike followed by forest bathing.

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1/25/2025

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

Sunset Yoga
Conservation Events
Sunset Yoga

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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1/27/2025

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

Groundhogs and Other Furry Friends
Conservation Events
Groundhogs and Other Furry Friends

Some can fly, some can dig, and some can swim, but we all have one thing in common, we’re all mammals, including us. We’ll discuss the characteristics that make mammals a unique class of animals and review the diverse selection of species living here in Iowa.

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2/2/2025

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

Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Art of Polk County Conservation
Conservation Events
Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Art of Polk County Conservation

Parks and nature centers offer great opportunities for public art. Join Polk County Conservation art committee members Missy Smith and Lewis Major for a virtual art walk through Jester Park.

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2/4/2025