News and Announcements
Conservation Promoted
A Day at Carney Marsh
Listening to the sounds of nature one might hear while enjoying the beauty of Carney Marsh.
Conservation Promoted
The Lockards: Looking Back on the Legacy of Two Caretakers
The story behind the couple who gave away over 8 acres of land to Polk County Conservation.
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.
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.
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.
Conservation News
Scent Detection Dogs: The Fluffy Face of Conservation
How Polk County Conservation uses scent detection dogs to aid in the restoration of Ornate Box Turtles.
Conservation News
Seeking public input on updates to Riverwalk Dog Park, new parking lot.
Meeting scheduled for March 7 at 5:30 pm.
Conservation News
Seeking public input on proposed mountain bike park and related re-zoning.
View virtual presentation on the project.
Conservation News
Long-anticipated bridge over Beaver Creek opens along Trestle to Trestle Trail.
A major artery between the cities of Johnston and Des Moines is once again flowing with cyclists and walkers.
Conservation News
Trestle to Trestle Bridge Replacement Begins
We are excited to announce that construction for the Trestle to Trestle Bridge replacement has begun. 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
Prescribed Burning Season
Prescribed burn has begun in Polk County Conservation’s parks and trails. Natural resource crews will be conducting prescribed burning as weather allows from starting the third week of August.
Conservation News
Striving to make Easter Lake Park's north shore the most accessible park in America.
$8.1 million park enhancements will offer universal access to nature, recreation for people of all abilities.
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
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
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park to Join Polk County Conservation’s Family of Parks
We are excited to welcome Sleepy Hollow to Polk County Conservation’s family of parks and trails! Sleepy Hollow is a 76-acre sports and family recreation complex located on the east side of Des Moines. Learn more!
Conservation News
Great Western Trail Tunnel
Polk County Conservation was approached by the City of West Des Moines with plans to realign SE County Line Rd. The plans provide a tunnel for the Great Western Trail under the proposed new SE County Line Rd. alignment.
Conservation News
More Campsites are Now Available for Advanced Online Reservations
Polk County Conservation now offers 126 campsites for advanced reservations via MyCountyParks.com.
Conservation News
Covid-19 Updates & Operations
UPDATE: 2/28/2022 | As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and adapt, Polk County Conservation continues to prioritize our employee’s health and public health...
Conservation News
Foragers & Hikers - Garlic Mustard Being Sprayed with Herbicide
We are starting to apply herbicide in various parks to slow the spread of the invasive species, Garlic Mustard.
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.
Conservation News
The Next Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond
On Tuesday, November 2nd, voters supported the Polk County Water and Land Legacy Bond (PCWLL) in historic fashion passing the measure by 81%.