Conservation - Polk County Iowa

Polk County Conservation

Visit your Polk County family of parks to see spring and summer at its finest.

Join us in celebration of Earth Day by participating in invasive species removal on April 22nd. Check our calendar of events for details.

The 2014 camping season is now open. Thomas Mitchell Park will reopen May 15.

New firewood regulations have been implemented in our parks. See our Firewood Quick Link below.

Jester Park Cabins are now available for rent! Make your reservations by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

New limestone steps installed along Camp Creek in Thomas Mitchell Park allow better recreational access to the water for park users.

Check out PCC calendar of events for a variety of spring and summer activities!

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.

Emerald Ash Borer

Reserve a Campsite or Shelter Online at

News & Announcements

Jester Park and Thomas Mitchell Park Campground Closure Updates

Jester Park Camp Area #2 will remain closed through May 15th while we wait for mother nature to re-establish vegetation. Also, stabilization work on Camp Creek…

Trees Now Available Through the Plant Some Shade Program

Residential customers of MidAmerican Energy who live in Iowa can reduce future energy use, landscape their homes, and green up their communities this fall throu…

Mile Long Bridge Closure

The Mile Long Bridge will close on Monday, March 31, through approximately May 22. Click here for the following detour route. We know that many of you use the …

Cabin Reservations Now Being Accepted

More details of the four rental cabins being constructed at Jester Park have now been posted on http://www.mycountyparks.com/Facility/Default.aspx. Make your r…

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 25, 2014Wild Night Life & Hike

Join PCC naturalists for a campfire program about the wild night life in Jester Park. A short hike will follow as we search for some of these nocturnal animals. Afterward enjoy eating s ‘mores around the campfire. Pre-registration is required; deadline is April 24. Fee: $5. To register, click ...

Saturday, April 26, 2014Spring Wildflower Hike

Enjoy a beautiful spring day as we hike through the woods to view and identify the dazzling display of spring wildflowers.

Sunday, April 27, 2014Trail Tune-up Clinic

Trail ride season is just around the corner. Bring yourselft and your horse to a trail ride tune up clinic. Clinic will include despooking, common trail issues, trail first aid, and a trail obstacle course. Pre-registration required, Fee:$50. To register, click here.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014Tulip Time

Take time, smell the flowers and enjoy the beauty of thousands of blooming Tulips. Our first stop of the day will be at the Lake Red Rock Visitor Center. A park ranger will share the history and wildlife of Lake Red Rock. In Pella, we will tour the Scholte House and gardens and enjoy an organ concer...

Thursday, May 01, 2014May Day Hike

May Day celebrates the arrival of spring. Take a short hike looking for spring wildflowers then make a May Day basket to take home.

Monday, May 05, 2014Nature Friends - EggCiting Facts

Join a naturalist in a nature adventure! We will explore a different nature topic each evening through stories, sharing time, guided exploration, and art activities. Snacks will be provided. The program is sponsored by Des Moines Izaak Walton League and West Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Fee $7, ...

For more information about upcoming events, see our calendar.