Conservation
A Day at Carney Marsh
Conservation Promoted
A Day at Carney Marsh

Listening to the sounds of nature one might hear while enjoying the beauty of Carney Marsh.

read more

9/27/2023

2023 Prescribed Burning Season
Conservation Promoted
2023 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 this week and extending through the spring season.

read more

3/27/2023

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.

read more

12/13/2023

Hike and Hot Cocoa
Conservation Events
Hike and Hot Cocoa

A cold December day is the perfect time to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy National Cocoa Day. We’ll start the program with a brisk walk around Discovery Pond and end by enjoying a mug of hot cocoa around a fire.

read more

12/13/2023

Long-time Conservation Volunteer Wins 2023 Hagie Heritage Award
Conservation News
Long-time Conservation Volunteer Wins 2023 Hagie Heritage Award

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) has selected Dr. Ron Eckoff to receive the 2023 Hagie Heritage Award.

read more

11/28/2023

Homeschool Programs
Conservation Events
Homeschool Programs

Join us for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is designed for homeschool students. Each month we will explore a new theme related to the natural world.

read more

12/15/2023

Serenity at Fort Des Moines Park
Conservation News
Serenity at Fort Des Moines Park

An itinerary for a peaceful day at Fort Des Moines Park. A way to explore the park while finding peace; improving both your physical and mental health.

read more

10/31/2023

Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm)
Conservation Events
Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm)

We’ll hitch up our draft horse team to take your group out for a horse-drawn ride!

read more

12/15/2023

New, Year-Round Recreation Feature Coming to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Conservation News
New, Year-Round Recreation Feature Coming to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

Polk County Conservation announces phased approach to re-launching the winter sports destination.

read more

7/7/2023

Homeschool Programs
Conservation Events
Homeschool Programs

Join us for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is designed for homeschool students. Each month we will explore a new theme related to the natural world.

read more

12/15/2023

Crane Meadows: 300+ Acres of Potential
Conservation News
Crane Meadows: 300+ Acres of Potential

After several years of extensive restoration work, the wildlife area is now part of Polk County Conservation's family of parks.

read more

5/18/2023

The Holidays - Around the World
Conservation Events
The Holidays - Around the World

Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Santa Lucia Day, Christmas, Diwali, and more. Pick up your passport at the door and travel the Nature Center as you visit different winter holidays around the world. You will learn more about the people, places, traditions, and connections to nature.

read more

12/16/2023