Conservation
Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake
Conservation Promoted
Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake

During the summer recreation season, Polk County Conservation staff are regularly monitoring the water in Easter Lake, taking samples weekly for testing. Every week on Thursday or Friday, weekly results will be posted here.

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9/5/2024

Plotting a Comeback
Conservation Promoted
Plotting a Comeback

Growing, harvesting rare native plants

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6/25/2024

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

Due to the forecasted ice storm, this event is cancelled. Stay safe out there! 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.

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12/14/2024

Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10 am to 3:30 pm)
Conservation Events
Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10 am to 3:30 pm)

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

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12/14/2024

Conservation News
Hiking Trail Updates at Easter Lake Park

Hiking trail improvements are in motion at Easter Lake Park thanks to Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond (PCWLL) funding and successful efforts of timber stand improvement.

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11/4/2024

Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10 am to 3:30 pm)
Conservation Events
Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10 am to 3:30 pm)

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

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12/15/2024

2024 Prescribed Burning Season
Conservation News
2024 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 for the next month.

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8/20/2024

Sunset Yoga
Conservation Events
Sunset Yoga

Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the outdoor plaza or the Great Hall of the Jester Park Nature Center. The class will begin with a short nature hike to give participants a chance distress and enjoy the beauty of nature. The yoga class is perfect for beginners.

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12/16/2024

Celebrate the Olympics with Polk County Conservation
Conservation News
Celebrate the Olympics with Polk County Conservation

Watching the Olympics can inspire you to start a new hobby or adventure. And Polk County Conservation can start you off in just the right location.

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8/2/2024

Women in the Woods with Wine - Winter is for the Birds
Conservation Events
Women in the Woods with Wine - Winter is for the Birds

Join us as we learn about Iowa winter birds and how to feed them. Bird feeding offers people an opportunity to see birds at close range while providing hours of enjoyment.

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12/17/2024

Flooding Closures 2024
Conservation News
Flooding Closures 2024

Recent heavy rain has caused flooding at various sites across Polk County Parks.

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6/27/2024

Story Tellebration
Conservation Events
Story Tellebration

Join volunteer storyteller, Carmen Epstein, for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity.

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12/18/2024