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Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake
Conservation Promoted
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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7/3/2025

What We Know About the Water Quality in Polk County
Conservation Promoted
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
Conservation Promoted
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

Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Into to Polk Co Parks and Trails
Conservation Events
Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Into to Polk Co Parks and Trails

Polk County Conservation manages more than 16,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, woodlands, trails, and parks! Come learn more about your local parks and programs while we will peek into conservation past, present and future.

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7/9/2025

Horses Helping Heroes Warrior Wednesdays
Conservation Events
Horses Helping Heroes Warrior Wednesdays

Established in September of 2016, Horses Helping Heroes (H3) is an Equine-Assisted Activity Learning and Therapy (EAAL/T) program offered free of charge to military Veterans, Active Service Members, First Responders, and National Guard Members.

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7/9/2025

Dig Your Natives: Garden Maintenance at Jester Park
Conservation Events
Dig Your Natives: Garden Maintenance at Jester Park

Come lend a hand in our native pollinator and rain gardens and help make our gardens thrive this season!

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7/10/2025

Planting for the Future
Conservation News
Planting for the Future

A collaborative restoration effort is now underway at Brown's Woods. Under the guidance of Dr. Keith Summerville, a professor at Drake University, and with support of researchers, students, and community volunteers, the state's largest urban woodland is growing strong.

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6/26/2025

River Rats Camp
Conservation Events
River Rats Camp

If you have a young experience paddler looking for a challenge, then this camp is for them. We will explore two different Central Iowa rivers and test their paddling skills. We’ll also learn about river ethics, safety, geology, ecology, and take time to just play.

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7/10/2025

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

Night at the Nature Center
Conservation Events
Night at the Nature Center

Ever wonder what goes on at the Jester Park Nature Center after dark? This indoor campout will let you explore behind the scenes and sleep out in the exhibit hall. This overnight experience will include games, a night hike, and cooking dinner over the fire.

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7/10/2025

New Beginnings: Explore New Spots this Summer
Conservation News
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

Horse Whispers in the Woods
Conservation Events
Horse Whispers in the Woods

A women’s circle of self-discovery through the intuitive and healing power of horses. This on-the-ground workshop provides a real-time experience in relationship skills and increased emotional intelligence through a partnership with the horse.

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7/10/2025