News and Announcements
Conservation Promoted
Jester Park Playscape & Streamscape Water Update
UPDATE: July 14, 2021 | Water services have been turned back on at both the playscape and streamscape.
Conservation Promoted
Summer Boat Rentals
Warm weather is finally here and our summer boat rentals are open and ready to hit the water! Rent canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and more from Easter Lake Boat Rental and the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center. Reserve your summer rental today!
Conservation Promoted
Invest in the Environment with Conservation Credits
With help from the Great Outdoors Foundation, you can now invest in the environment and feel good about your choices with Conservation Credits.
Conservation News
Fun in the Sun Challenge
Get outside this summer with our Fun in the Sun Challenge - kicking off on July 5 - and WIN!
Conservation News
Trestle to Trestle Bridge to be Replaced in 2022
We are pleased to announce that funding for the Trestle to Trestle Bridge replacement has been secured. This bridge is the connector between the cities of Johnston and Des Moines and a key element of the very popular urban Trestle to Trestle Trail.
Conservation News
Thomas Mitchell Park Pond Parking Lot Expansion
Work to expand the pond parking lot at Thomas Mitchell Park to add 24 addition parking spots has begun. Construction is anticipated to be completed by Friday, June 18, 2021.
Conservation News
Covid-19 Operations
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and adapt, Polk County Conservation continues to prioritize our employee’s health and public health while moving forward with our mission of outdoor recreation, environmental education, and conservation of our natural heritage.
Conservation News
Young Nature Photographers Photo Contest
Do you have a young photographer in your family? Then head out to Thomas Mitchell Park with them from June 1 - June 30 to take photos of the landscape, wildlife, plants, flowers, or people outside enjoying nature and enter them to WIN!
Conservation News
Oralabor Gateway Trail Closure & Reroute
Oralabor Gateway Trail from Oralabor to NW 70th Street will be closed beginning April 26th thru Fall 2021. This closure is due to the road widening of NW 26th project.
Conservation News
Funding Needed for New Jester Park Nature Center Exhibit
Donations are being sought to create a lithic (stone) artifact exhibit at the Jester Park Nature Center to educate visitors about Iowa's archaeological past.
Conservation News
Polk County Designated a Bird Friendly Community
Bird Friendly Iowa announced that Polk County is among the first counties in Iowa to be designated as a Bird Friendly Community.
Conservation News
Relying on Nature Through Polk County Conservation
While the way we interact with others may be a little different right now in our world, the importance of getting outdoors and interacting with nature remains the same. Let nature become your refuge during this difficult time.