Free Resources
We have several nature trunks and teaching materials available for educators to
check out.
- Trunks may be checked out for a two week period free of charge.
- All resources are free and require pick-up at Jester Park unless other arrangements
are made in advance.
- Please call at least one week in advance to reserve these materials.
- Call 515-323-5300.
Animal Trunk: Watch out, this trunk is wild! We managed to cram
amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals all in the same trunk. The trunk is filled
with furs, skulls, books, posters, and a teaching guide.
Insect Trunk: This trunk is full of those six-legged critters we
call insects. Real (non-living) insects, big plastic insects, books, posters, and
videos are just a few of the things you’ll find in this creepy crawly trunk.
Literature Trunks: These urban environmental education trunks are
packed with dozens of books, posters, puppets, and games developed for K-6th graders.
These trunks are available FREE for up to one month.
Prairie Trunk: Open this trunk to get a glimpse of what Iowa used
to look like! This trunk is as diverse as the prairie itself. Your students will
get a chance to look at real samples of prairie grasses, feel furs of animals that
once roamed Iowa, and learn why this incredible habitat has almost vanished.
EnviroScape: EnviroScape is a desktop model which demonstrates
point and non-point source pollution as well as pollution prevention in a watershed.
The EnviroScape includes a 65-page user's guide. The model is easy to clean and
the materials come in a lightweight case.
Fishing Poles: Take your students fishing! Polk County Conservation
Board has over 80 poles to be used. A $10 deposit fee will be required per rack
(eight poles per rack) If more than 5 racks are checked out, a deposit fee of $50
will be required. If all poles are returned without tangled lines or broken reels,
the deposit will be returned.
Stream Table: The Stream Table shows how sediment, vegetation,
and flowing water interact in a dynamic stream system. The model gives an interactive,
hands-on demonstration for students. The large lightweight box measures 3 feet by
6-1/2 feet. It is recommended that the model be set up for a week or longer.