UPDATE: 9/8/20 The Derecho wind storm that blew through the state of Iowa on Monday, August 10th, left behind a substantial amount of debris in our parks and on our trails.
The Jester Park Nature Center will remain closed until further notice to align with Polk County’s COVID public facility operations plan. However, the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center is open due to the open air nature of this facility.
UPDATE: JULY 27, 2020 | Parks, trails, and campgrounds are open! Read below for the most up-to-date COVID-19 notifications.
Explore the natural healing path of Shinrin Yoku or Japanese Forest bathing with Crystal Berkens or Brandy Case Haub, certified forest guides. This mindful walk will invite you to use your senses to enhance your well-being.
Join us as we collect prairie seed at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt and Synder Farm to Celebrate National Public Lands Day. Two different sites have been chosed to allow for social distancing. The event will conclude with food, drinks and singer/musician Jake Schrodt.
This class is for those who may have never painted a day in their life or may have dabbled a little with watercolor but would like to learn more. We will start with the basics, discussing paints, brushes, paper, and technique before moving on to painting our first work of art.
Discover how horses help humans heal mentally and emotionally through the Jester Park Equestrian Center's free demonstration for first responders & health care workers, Retreat With Horses.
Let your imagination run wild with this fun, nature-themed story time! Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft.
This fall, special use permits allowing bowhunters to participate in a controlled bowhunt for antlerless deer will be issued by the organizations listed at the bottom of this information.
Does your company offer Volunteer Paid Time Off (VTO)? Join us as we collect seed from plants ready to harvest from one of our county parks. Come and go between your allotted hours.
View the latest construction update on the Lauridsen Skatepark here!
Join us and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for a moonlit evening as we hand harvest native prairie seed under the sunset at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Afterwards we'll gather around the campfire at the Youth Camp Area to enjoy s'mores and celebrate fall with new friends.