Conservation

Volunteer

Thank you for you interest in volunteering with Polk County County Conservation!

Volunteerism with PCC (Polk County Conservation) focuses on hands-on restoration and preservation of our parks, trails, and waterways. Volunteers work alongside conservation professionals, learn about the central Iowa landscape, and participate in projects that yield immediate and rewarding results.

Volunteering with PCC is a wonderful way to lend a helping hand while enjoying the great outdoors. All community members, both youth and adult, are invited to participate in a variety of activities and projects throughout the year according to their interests. Opportunities abound in any of our managed areas and in a variety of ways. 

Stay Connected

Join our monthly e-Newsletter to stay up-to-date on all upcoming events and opportunities. This newsletter gives you the volunteer information you need without crowding your inbox. 

Volunteer Opportunities at a Glance

Volunteer at an Event

Become an important part of your community today! Scheduled volunteer events are held year-round on both weekdays and weekends with dates posted quarterly.

Private events are also available and are tailored specially to your group’s wants, needs, and schedule. Contact us to inquire about scheduling your event - early planning is key! 

Make an Impact in Your Local Parks & Trails

Lend a helping hand in over 16,000 acres of parks, trails, recreation, and wildlife areas managed by Polk County Conservation.

Volunteers help in a variety of meaningful ways such as caring for native plant gardens, building and maintaining recreational trails, harvesting native seed, removing invasive plant species, keeping public spaces and waterways clean, etc. Spend your time giving back in your favorite park or trail today!

More information coming soon!

Become a Water Quality Monitor

Help protect central Iowa's rivers, lakes, and streams by monitoring local water quality. As a Monitor, you will establish a baseline for determining stream health, assess the health of the local bodies of water, identify water quality problem areas, build community awareness of water issues, and better understand the waterways within Polk County.

Kestrels and Snakes and Butterflies, Oh My!

Engage in citizen science by joining a wildlife monitoring program. Volunteers monitor the populations of key animal species throughout our management areas which gives PCC staff key insights into the effectiveness of our habitat restoration efforts across the county.

Volunteer with the Jester Park Equestrian Center

Embrace your love of horses while giving back! The Jester Park Equestrian Center welcomes you to join our ranks as a volunteer assisting with programs, events, camps, and leadership opportunities. In this role, you will help us fulfill our mission to foster education, outdoor recreation, and wellness with horses. 

Volunteer at the Jester Park Nature Center

Join us to volunteer at the Jester Park Nature Center and launch visitors into their outdoor adventure at Jester Park. Volunteers enable the day-to-day operations of the facility by greeting visitors, assisting in the exhibit hall, and answer questions at the front desk about Polk County Conservation programs, activities, and park/trail locations.