Conservation

Preschool Programs

Polk County Conservation offers a variety of programs designed specifically for young children Programs offered to youth four years and older. Please do not include younger children in the program. We also provide programs for older students as well. A naturalist will gear the nature topic to the age of the group. These programs may include a story, felt board, puppets, touch/feel time, and a live animal. We will travel to your site, or you may come to one of our county parks.

A small fee is charged to help offset the cost of our naturalist’s time. A dollar per student will be charged with a $25 minimum for each program.

SCHEDULING PROGRAMS
To schedule a program, please fill out the Program Request Form here and e-mail it to: Patrice.Petersen-Keys@polkcountyiowa.gov.

Program List

  • Animals Winter Prep - Learn what animals are doing to prepare for the long, cold winter months.

  • Eggciting Facts - Discover a wide variety of animals that develop from eggs.

  • Birds Birds of a Feather - Students will fly into the bird world and learn that birds have feathers and wings.

  • Habitats What’s a Habitat? - Let’s talk about habitats! Learn where animals live and why they live there.

  • Herps Frog Hop - Students will have a hoppin’ good time as learn about frogs. A live animal will be used if available.

  • “S” is for Snake, “T” is for Turtle - Students will get up close and personal with a live snake and/or turtle.

  • Hikes Nature Hike - Discover what’s going on in the forest. Students will learn about woodland habitats and wildlife. Hike will take place outdoors.

  • Insects/Spiders Busy Bees - Students will become bees and learn why and how bees dance.

  • Bug Me - Explore the fascinating world of insects and their bizarre ways of life. A live insect will be used if available.

  • Spiders - Learn how spiders are different than insects and why they build webs. A live spider will be used if available.

  • Mammals Tricky Tracks - Identify common animal tracks. Students will make their own animals tracks.

  • Plants Seeds - Experience the awakening of life as students pretend to be a seed. We’ll discuss what seeds need to grow.