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.

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. View 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

Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center Updates

The Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center has added summer hours and has changed the minimum ages for the bouldering room and the indoor archery a…

Leaf Recognition Towers at Jester Park

Located outside the Jester Park Nature Center along the Streamscape path,you will find decorative leaf towers that are designed to honor a specialper…

Nature News Hot off the Press

The January - April 2020 Nature News has arrived! Inside you will find a complete list of our events and programs from environmental education, recreation and w…

Trestle to Trestle Trail Re-Route & Bridge Reconstruction

In the spring of 2019, the bridge over Beaver Creek along the Trestle to Trestle Trail collapsed. Designs for the new Trestle to Trestle bridge can be found HER…

Upcoming Events

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

Friday, February 21, 2020 - Tuesday, February 25, 2020Northwoods Dog Sledding Adventure

Have the adventure of a lifetime on this five-day trip to northern Minnesota. One full day will be spent dog sledding with extensively trained dogs and staff. Experienced guides will teach you how to harness your dogs, steer the sled, and lead our trip into the wilderness. The remaining days wi...

Saturday, February 22, 2020Winter Hike

Join a naturalist for peaceful hike on a winter’s day. We will learn what animals do to survive the harsh Iowa winters and look for early signs of spring’s arrival. REGISTRATION: None COST: Free AGES: 5+

Saturday, February 22, 2020Antler Shed Hunt

Learn tips on finding shed antlers and then head outside to find sheds that have been hidden around the park just for you! REGISTRATION: None COST: Free AGES: All ages welcome

Saturday, March 7, 2020Tracks & Scat Hike

Join a naturalist to explore off the beaten path as we search for signs of wildlife in this beautiful forest. Dress for the weather. REGISTRATION: None COST: Free AGES: All ages welcome.

Monday, March 9, 2020Full Moon Hike

Explore the wonder and beauty of Thomas Mitchell Park at night under a full moon. REGISTRATION: None COST: Free AGES: All ages welcome

Wednesday, March 11, 2020VTO 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 give those within their ranks with a unique way to create positive impact within their community. If your...

For more information about upcoming events, see our calendar.