News and Announcements
Conservation Promoted
Snowshoe Trails & Treks
This winter when the snow flies and those fluffy flakes are calling, take the opportunity to try something new.
Conservation News
Invasive Buy Back Program
Polk County Conservation is implementing a Callery (Bradford) Pear and Burning Bush “buy-back” program for residents of Polk County, Iowa.
Conservation News
New Beginnings: Explore New Spots this Summer
From groundbreakings for new projects to ribbon cuttings for completed parks, this summer will be filled with new beginnings and new spots for you to explore.
Conservation News
Prairie Stomp Music Series returns in 2025
In its fourth year, the overwhelming popular music series is adding a new location and three more shows! Relax to the rhythm of incredible, local music and nature's own melody in the middle of two beautiful Polk County Parks.
Conservation News
Hiking Trail Updates at Easter Lake Park
Hiking trail improvements are in motion at Easter Lake Park thanks to Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond (PCWLL) funding and successful efforts of timber stand improvement.
Conservation News
Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake
During the summer recreation season, Polk County Conservation staff are regularly monitoring the water in Easter Lake, taking samples weekly for testing. Every week on Thursday or Friday, weekly results will be posted here.
Conservation News
2024 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 for the next month.
Conservation News
Celebrate the Olympics with Polk County Conservation
Watching the Olympics can inspire you to start a new hobby or adventure. And Polk County Conservation can start you off in just the right location.
Conservation News
Flooding Closures 2024
Recent heavy rain has caused flooding at various sites across Polk County Parks.
Conservation News
Construction Roundup: Summer Projects
This summer Polk County Conservation Parks are getting upgrades! As the temperature increases, stay informed on all the projects and closures happening in the parks.
Conservation News
Scavenger Hunt at Strasser Woods State Preserve
Fun ways to enjoy Strasser Woods State Preserve.
Conservation News
No Snow, No Problem
Slide down a 600-foot-long hill tubing starting this spring at Sleepy Hollow.
Conservation News
What is a Wetland?
A wetland is an area of land that is continuously or periodically wet during the year. Also called swamps, marshes, bogs, or prairie potholes, Iowa was once dotted with thousands of wetlands.
Conservation News
Timber Stand Improvement
Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) is a form of restoration work that occurs in degraded woodlands with the goal of improving the quality of native tree and plant species. Often this involves reducing the quantity of trees, especially non-native varieties.
Conservation News
Thrills, Chills, And Gills
Ice fishing is a great way to take advantage of the cooler months and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Polk County has resources for you to have a safe and satisfying experience.
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.
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.
Conservation News
A Day at Carney Marsh
Listening to the sounds of nature one might hear while enjoying the beauty of Carney Marsh.
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
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 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.