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

Knee-High Naturalists
Conservation Events
Knee-High Naturalists

Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun! As naturalists we will hike, investigate, and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place.

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12/11/2024

Invasive Species Removal: Fort Des Moines Park
Conservation Events
Invasive Species Removal: Fort Des Moines Park

This volunteer opportunity offers a fun and meaningful service-learning experience. Volunteers will sharpen their skills in identifying native and nonnative plant species, learn effective invasive removal techniques and ways to positively impact native habitat at Fort Des Moines.

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12/12/2024

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

Resilient Roots: Food Systems and Security & Waste Management
Conservation Events
Resilient Roots: Food Systems and Security & Waste Management

Join us for a comprehensive program focused on the critical issues of food systems, food security, and waste management in urban areas like Des Moines.

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12/12/2024

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

Homeschool Programs
Conservation Events
Homeschool Programs

Join us for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is designed for homeschool students. Each month we will explore a new theme related to the natural world.

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12/13/2024

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

Homeschool Programs
Conservation Events
Homeschool Programs

Join us for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is designed for homeschool students. Each month we will explore a new theme related to the natural world.

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12/13/2024

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

Hike & Hot Cocoa
Conservation Events
Hike & Hot Cocoa

A cold December day is the perfect time to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy National Cocoa Day. We’ll start the program with a brisk walk around Discovery Pond and end by enjoying a mug of hot cocoa around a fire.

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12/13/2024