News and Announcements
Conservation Promoted
Lauridsen Skatepark Grand Opening Announced
We are excited to announce our management and the grand opening of the Lauridsen Skatepark on May 22, 2021. The 88,000 square feet attraction will showcase Olympic caliber park and street courses.
Conservation Promoted
20% Off Your Winter Cabin Stay
Book a winter cabin getaway for the holidays, a special weekend, or a week-long stay to reconnect with your family away from the hustle and bustle of life. When you book from 12/1/20 through 3/1/21, automatically get 20% off your cabin reservation for stays 1/3/20 to 3/11/21.
Conservation Promoted
COVID-19 Operations Update
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | Parks, trails, and campgrounds are open! Read below for the most up-to-date COVID-19 notifications.
Conservation News
Debris Pile Burning in PCC Parks & Trails
Beginning January 21, Natural Resources staff will be burning debris piles left over from the timber stand improvement and invasive species removal projects, as well debris left from the Derecho wind storm through April 1, 2021.
Conservation News
Tree Removal Underway in PCC Parks & Trails
UPDATED 1/19/21: We are working with XTreme Tree Inc to remove hazard trees and hangers from our soft and hard trails as a result of the summer derecho wind storm. Removals are now at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt beginning 1/19 - 1/22.
Conservation News
Renting Cross-Country Skis & Snowshoes with Polk County Conservation
Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, adjacent from the Jester Park Nature Center. The cross-country ski rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Poles and boots are NOT included with your snowshoe rental.
Conservation News
Chill Out Challenge
Polk County Conservation has created an online family challenge that will take you from your home and into our county parks. Even though it ’s cold, we want to encourage you to get outside and have fun doing it!
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
Jester Park Nature Center Remains Closed Until Further Notice
UPDATE: OCTOBER 26, 2020 | The Jester Park Nature Center will remain closed until further notice to align with Polk County’s COVID public facility operations plan.
Conservation News
Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center to Close on October 26
Polk County Conservation has made the decision to close the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center to the public on Monday, October 26. We will continue to monitor public health recommendations related to COIVD-19 and reopen the facility when it is safe to do so.
Conservation News
Interior Vestibule at Jester Park Nature Center Open to Public
Beginning on Wednesday, October 14th, the interior vestibule at the Jester Park Nature Center will be open to the public during park hours seven days per week. Visitors will be able to obtain park brochures, trail maps, and use the restroom facilities.
Conservation News
Controlled Bowhunt Application & Information
This fall, special use permits allowing bowhunters to participate in a controlled bowhunt for antlerless deer will be issued by the organizations listed at the bottom of this information.
Conservation News
Trestle to Trestle Trail Re-Route & Bridge Reconstruction
UPDATED: June, 4, 2020 In the spring of 2019, the bridge over Beaver Creek along the Trestle to Trestle Trail collapsed. A reroute along the trail has been established until the new bridge is constructed.
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.