Conservation
A Day at Carney Marsh
Conservation Promoted
A Day at Carney Marsh

Listening to the sounds of nature one might hear while enjoying the beauty of Carney Marsh.

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9/27/2023

2023 Prescribed Burning Season
Conservation Promoted
2023 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 this week and extending through the spring season.

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3/27/2023

Toddler Tales
Conservation Events
Toddler Tales

Let your imagination run wild with this 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.

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12/7/2023

Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm)
Conservation Events
Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm)

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

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12/8/2023

Long-time Conservation Volunteer Wins 2023 Hagie Heritage Award
Conservation News
Long-time Conservation Volunteer Wins 2023 Hagie Heritage Award

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) has selected Dr. Ron Eckoff to receive the 2023 Hagie Heritage Award.

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11/28/2023

Nature Center After Dark: Pajama Party
Conservation Events
Nature Center After Dark: Pajama Party

Here’s your chance to visit the Jester Park Nature Center after dark. The hour will include storytelling, crafts, open Nature Center exhibits, and a short program on the theme of the night. This December, feel free to come in your favorite pajamas.

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12/8/2023

Serenity at Fort Des Moines Park
Conservation News
Serenity at Fort Des Moines Park

An itinerary for a peaceful day at Fort Des Moines Park. A way to explore the park while finding peace; improving both your physical and mental health.

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10/31/2023

Holiday Wreath Making
Conservation Events
Holiday Wreath Making

Welcome the holiday season with a fragrant, homemade evergreen wreath. Learn to assemble a variety of fresh evergreen cuttings into a festive wreath, and then add your own personal touches to make it uniquely yours.

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12/9/2023

New, Year-Round Recreation Feature Coming to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Conservation News
New, Year-Round Recreation Feature Coming to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

Polk County Conservation announces phased approach to re-launching the winter sports destination.

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7/7/2023

Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm)
Conservation Events
Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides (10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm)

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

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12/9/2023

Crane Meadows: 300+ Acres of Potential
Conservation News
Crane Meadows: 300+ Acres of Potential

After several years of extensive restoration work, the wildlife area is now part of Polk County Conservation's family of parks.

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5/18/2023

Needle Felting
Conservation Events
Needle Felting

Learn the art of needle-felting. You’ll learn step-by-step techniques, and feel confident while creating beautiful felted art with just wool and a needle! All tools and supplies will be provided for use during the workshop, including a 4” embroidery hoop for framing your work.

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12/9/2023