Conservation - Polk County Iowa

Polk County Conservation

Get outside and discover a Polk County Conservation park or trail near you! Explore the 'Parks & Trails' tab.

Join us on Sunday, November 24, from Noon – 5 p.m. at the Jester Park Nature Center to shop for gifts or goods just in time for the holiday season!

Stay updated on park improvements to enhance recreation areas & wildlife habitat under the Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond link.

Check out our many upcoming events and programs under the "Calendar" tab!

Volunteer opportunities are available year-round. Check the calendar of events for upcoming work days and events.

Take a look at our many programs and events at the Jester Park Nature Center at www.JesterParkNatureCenter.com. [Photo © IRIS22 Productions LLC]

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

Click the logo above for more information

Click the logo above to visit the nature center website.

Click the logo above for more information

Reserve a Campsite or Shelter Online at

News & Announcements

Bouldering Wall Grand Opening at Jester Park

On November 24, from 1-3 p.m. join us to celebrate the grand opening of Jester Park’s newest recreation feature, the Petra Alward Bouldering Room! Petra hersel…

Parks & Campgrounds Water Shutdown Update

UPDATED: OCTOBER 29 Cooler overnight temperatures have prompted water shutdown in many of our parks and campgrounds. Read below to see what is on and off. Jeste…

Vegetation Removal in Easter Lake

The in-lake vegetation clearing in Easter Lake is currently underway. Vegetation will be cut 5’ below the water surface. This process will take place over the n…

Jester Park Shelter #5 Closed Through Mid- November

Beginning October 9 and extending through mid-November, Jester Park Shelter #5 will be closed due to the removal of the current restroom and installation of a n…

Upcoming Events

For more information about upcoming events for Jester Park Nature Center, see our calendar.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019VTO Woodlands

Many amazing local companies, organizations, and schools offer Volunteer Time Off (VTO) as an added benefit for their workforce. This provides an excellent opportunity to provide those within their ranks with a unique way to create positive impact within their community. If your organization offers ...

Sunday, November 17, 2019Turkey Trek

Come enjoy a one-mile hike through beautiful Yellow Banks Park We’ll talk about turkeys and how animals are preparing for winter all while burning some calories. REGISTRATION: None COST: Free AGES: All ages welcome

Saturday, December 7, 2019Cedars for Celebration

Bring home an eco-tree this holiday season and help Trees Forever and Polk County Conservation restore native habitat at Jester Park! Invasive cedars compete with other native plants for nutrients and space, quickly taking over an area if given the opportunity but make excellent indoor and outd...

Wednesday, December 11, 2019VTO Woodlands

Saturday, December 14, 2019Winter Roundup

Invasive species removal is at the forefront of restoration efforts in our Iowa woodlands. Spend your time on the frontline of this continuous battle as we remove honeysuckle, buckthorn, and oriental bittersweet from one of your county parks. Registration required. Detailed event information will be...

Saturday, February 8, 2020Ice Fishing Basics

Learn the basics of ice fishing and get some hands-on experience. Bait and poles will be provided. Participants over the age of 16 need a valid fishing license. REGISTRATION: None COST: Free AGES: All ages welcome

For more information about upcoming events, see our calendar.