PCCB's 50th Anniversary
Fifty years ago, the voters
of Polk County recognized how the outdoors can impact one’s quality of life. In
1956, Polk County Conservation Board was created to acquire, develop, and maintain
areas devoted to conservation and public recreation.
The time has come to celebrate 50 years of conservation in Polk County. It’s time
to commemorate the many accomplishments of the past and build excitement for the
future.
During 2006, we have planned a series of public programs and events that will honor
our 50th anniversary. Help us celebrate by attending one or more of the following
events:
Poker Run
Sunday, January 29
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Jester Park Clubhouse
Kick-off Polk County Conservation’s 50th Anniversary in 2006 by participating in
a Poker Run at the Jester Park Golf Course. The public is invited to walk, run,
or cross-country ski throughout the Jester Park Golf Course as part of a family-friendly
Poker Run. Skis and snowshoes available for use on site. Participants can either
enjoy a 3.5 mile long route or 1.2 mile short route. Along the route, playing cards
will be distributed and prizes will be awarded to the top hands. Hot chocolate and
refreshments can be enjoyed in the Clubhouse.
Pre-registration is recommended, but not required by calling 515-323-5300.
Sleigh Rides
Saturday,
February 11
10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., & 3:00 p.m.
Jester Park Equestrian Center
Winter is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors. The Jester Park Equestrian Center
is offering sleigh rides (weather permitting) or wagon rides. Enjoy a 45-minute
sleigh or wagon ride throughout the Jester Park countryside at 10 a.m., 1 p.m.,
or 3 p.m. Rides are $5 per person (children
under 5 years are free). Pre-registration required, deadline is February 10. All
ages welcome.
Run for the Egg!
Saturday,
April 15
8:00 a.m. - Noon
Easter Lake Park & Ewing Park
Runners, walkers, families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to the 1st
ever “Run for the Egg” 5-mile run/walk at Easter Lake Park on Easter weekend. Participants
will run or walk on a multi-surface trail.
Activities for the Day:
8:00 a.m. – Registration, beach parking lot
9:00 a.m. - 5-mile run/walk begins
9:30 a.m. – Kids Fun Run, Egg Roll, Egg Toss
11:00 a.m. – Awards Ceremony
Awards include handpainted eggs:
1st place receives an Ostrich egg,
2nd place an Emu egg and
3rd place a Rhea egg.
The runners are literally running for the EGG trophy. Medals will also be presented.
This event is sponsored by the Hawk 97.3. For
a registration form, Click
Here. Pre-registration is $18 (includes
t-shirt) or $25 the day of the race. Registration deadline is April 4. All ages
welcome.
"Dare to Go" Cache Bash
Saturday,
April 22
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Jester Park Lodge Never heard of geocaching or always wanted to give it a try? Or
maybe you’re a diehard cacher who is always looking for a challenge? Join us to
search for over 25 geocaches hidden in Jester Park for this special event. Participants
will be given coordinates for the geocache locations as they arrive. At each cache,
participants must stamp their passport. At the end of the day, turn in your passport
for a chance at prizes. Geocachers will be on hand to teach newcomers how to use
a GPS and the ins and outs of geocaching. GPS units will be available for check
out. Participants can come and go throughout the day. A catered lunch will be available
for participants at the Jester Park Lodge. This event is held in cooperation with
Great Plains Geocaching and Iowa Geocachers Organization.
Fee: $15 for the first person on your team
and $8 for each additional team member (children ages 4 and under free of charge).
Pre-registration required by April 14. All ages welcome. Walk-ins may not receive
included lunch.
Thomas Mitchell Park Celebration
Sunday,
May 14
2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Thomas Mitchell Park
Step back in time for an old-fashioned celebration at Thomas Mitchell Park. The
park is named for Polk County’s earliest Anglo-American settler who traveled from
New Hampshire to build a cabin on the hill overlooking Camp Creek in 1844. Join
in the fun!
2 p.m.- event begins with flag raising
2-5 p.m.- buckskinners, crafts, spinners & weavers, petting
zoo
2:30 p.m.- wagon rides begin
2:30-4:30 p.m.- wildflower hikes, storyteller & pioneer diary
reenactments
3 p.m.- old-fashioned games
5-7 p.m.- supper
5-7 p.m.-
Entertainment by the Jasper Grays
Pre-registration not required. Free event to the public.
Golf Tournament & Chuck wagon Dinner
Friday, September 8
Time TBD
Jester Park Golf Course & Equestrian Center
Enjoy a celebratory golf tournament on the beautiful Jester Park Golf Course. Following
golf, head to the Jester Park Equestrian Center for an old-fashioned chuck wagon
dinner. Socialize with friends, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and tournament
prizes will be awarded. While at the Equestrian Center, take a scenic wagon or trail
ride, enjoy a guided barn tour, and other interesting equine demonstrations.
Native American Celebration
Saturday, September 23
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Yellow Banks Park
Join us in recognizing the rich Native American history at Yellow Banks
Park. The scenic loess soil bluffs that overlook the Des Moines River were enjoyed
for thousands of years by the Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and Oneota Indian tribes.
Learn more about these tribes, their cultures, and the numerous artifacts that have
been found in and around the park. Participate in activities such as flint knapping,
atlatl throwing, Indian mound hikes, and educational programs. Pre-registration not required. Free event to the public.
A’mazing’ Prairie Festival
October 7 & 8
Times TBD
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
Be “amazed” as you wind through the twists and turns of Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt’s
tall grass prairie maze. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and visual beauty
of raw nature at this two-day prairie festival. Canoe floats, wagon tours, and numerous
hands-on activities await those of all ages.
Pre-registration not required. Free event to the public.
Exhibitor Information:
Limited space is available for outdoor-themed recreation vendors to display
their products. Availability will be on a first-come/first-serve basis. To
request display space, contact Joe Boyles at 515.323.5362.
Invasive Species Removal Workday
Saturday, October 21
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Brown’s Woods
The battle against invasive plant species continues in Polk County...buckthorn andhoneysuckle
beware! The integrity of Iowa's woodlands are comprised when invasive plant species
threaten native vegetationand wildlife that need that habitat for survival. Invasivesare
found inpublic and private properties. Learn how to identify species and control
them through hands-on volunteering. Pre-registration
not required. Free event to the public.
Buck Naked Need Dough
Friday,
November 3
Time TBD
Location TBD
Quality of life depends on quality spaces. Polk County is blessed with parks, trails,
wetlands, and other outdoor opportunities. At the same time, we need to protect
more and more of these local treasures to provide recreation and wildlife habitat
in an ever growing county. Your dough helps foster land acquisition, storm water
and water quality management, conservation education, park maintenance and expansion,
wildlife habitat protection and restoration. More information about this event can
be found on the Great Outdoors website at www.greatoutdoorsfund.org as the date
draws closer.