Conservation - Polk County Iowa

Polk County Conservation

From monarchs to reptiles, owls to prairies - there's so much to learn about the world around us.

Visit your Polk County family of parks to see fall at its finest.

Reserve your campsite at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Jester, Thomas Mitchell, or Yellow Banks Park at www.MyCountyParks.com (Photo: Kayla Shepherd)

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

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 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

2nd Annual Stars & Stripes Gala 2017

On Friday, November 3, 2017 at 5 p.m., the Jester Park Equestrian Center is hosting the 2nd Annual Stars & Stripes Gala at the Jester Park Lodge in Grang…

Lower Fourmile Creek Greenway Master Plan Meeting

Join Polk County Conservation, Polk County, Fourmile Creek Watershed Management Authority, City of Des Moines, City of Pleasant Hill and Polk Soil & Water C…

Ask a PCC Naturalist

We were at the Des Moines Farmer's Market on August 5, and you had questions for our naturalists! Polk County Conservation Naturalist, Heidi has your answers. …

Closures and Reroutes

Below are current park and trail closures and reroutes: Great Western Trail Re-route Begins on July 28 Development work near the Great Western Trail will resul…

Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 21, 2017Rain Barrel Workshop

A short discussion about ways to collect and use runoff water will be held before participants construct their own 55-gallon rain barrel. All materials and tools will be provided. Make sure you are able to transport your barrel back to your home after the workshop. Pre-registration required; deadlin...

Friday, September 22, 2017Stargazing on the Equinox

Turn your eyes to the sky to view the autumn constellations on the autumnal equinox! Local astronomers will provide telescopes for viewing. FREE. No registration required.

Saturday, September 23, 2017Mentored Youth Waterfowl Hunt

Would your child like to experience the thrill of waterfowl hunting? This mentored hunt in a controlled waterfowl hunting area at Chichaqua can provide this opportunity. Start the morning with a “hunter’s breakfast” in the Longhouse. Youth will be placed in groups of two and teamed...

Saturday, September 23, 2017 - Sunday, September 24, 2017Iowa Outdoor Expo

Try your skills at canoeing, kayaking, archery, fishing, trap shooting, shooting BB guns, geocaching and more! FREE. No registration required. For more details, click here.

Sunday, September 24, 2017Fourmile Creek Sweep

Strap on your boots or waders and get muddy with the Conservation team! In an effort to improve water quality, we will be sweeping Fourmile Creek for tires and other debris as well as cleaning up litter in and around Mally’s Park. Participants should dress for the weather, bring work gloves an...

Tuesday, September 26, 2017Shrinrin Yoku Forest Bathing

Research confirms the health benefits of time spent in nature, everything from improving mental health to lowering your blood pressure and fighting cancer. Explore the ancient healing path of Shinrin Yoku, or Japanese forest bathing, with Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, Integrative Medicine physi...

For more information about upcoming events, see our calendar.