Polk County Conservation Board

News Releases

Wild Night Life and Hike

During the night, the woods come alive with nocturnal creatures that are rarely seen during the day. A special night hike will be held at Jester Park to give families the opportunity to meet the creatures of the night. The hike will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, at Camp Area #5.

Sit down around a campfire to learn about the wild night life in Jester Park. Polk County Conservation naturalists will then lead hikers into the woods in search of nocturnal animals and other wildlife.

Contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or www.leadingyououtdoors.org for more information about this program. This is a free program and pre-registration is not required.

Nature Stories, Songs, and More

Are you looking for some interesting nature stories and fun songs to share with your family? Join a Polk County naturalist on Thursday, March 18, as they introduce you and your child to some new family-oriented activities. This free program will be held from 10-11 a.m. at the West Des Moines Public Library. Participants of all ages are required to bring a great attitude and enthusiasm to this program.

Sing along with an acoustic guitar to some non-traditional nature songs that are guaranteed to warm your heart and put a smile on your face. Kick back, relax, and enjoy listening to some exciting nature stories as well.

For more information, go to the Polk County Conservation website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or call 515-323-5300.

Winter Stargazing

As darkness settles upon us, stars begin to appear in the same pattern they have for thousands of years. Turn your eyes to the sky at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Longhouse on Friday, March 19, from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. as we view the winter constellations.

Local amateur astronomers will identify Orion, the Big and Little Dippers, Cassiopeia, and more. Telescopes will be provided. Bring your binoculars if available. This is a free program and no pre-registration is required.

For more information, go to the Polk County Conservation website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or call 515-323-5300.

Geocaching Hike

Never heard of geocaching or always wanted to give it a try? Geocaching is a high tech scavenger hunt involving the use of GPS. Join Polk County Conservation on Sunday, March 28, at Fort Des Moines Park in Des Moines, for a Geocaching Hike. The event runs from 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Come learn the basics and try finding several geocaches hidden just for you in the woodland at Fort Des Moines Park. GPS units will be available for use. All ages are welcome. Participants should meet at Shelter #1.

Pre-registration is not required. For more information, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or go online to www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

Rain Barrel Workshop

Did you know that 50% of the pollution in our lakes and rivers is washed in by storm water? Do your part to help reduce pollution by constructing a rain barrel at the Easter Lake Park Shop on Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m.-noon.

One way to slow down storm water runoff is to install a rain barrel. A short discussion about ways to collect and use runoff water will be held at this Polk County Conservation program before participants construct their own rain barrel. All materials and tools will be provided.

This public program is $45 per person. Pre-registration is required by March 19. Register online at www.mycountyparks.com. For more information, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300. Make sure you are able to transport your 55-gallon barrel back to your home after the workshop.

Run for the EGG

Runners, walkers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to participate in the 5th Annual Run for the Egg five mile run/walk around Easter Lake Park on Easter weekend. Join Polk County Conservation on Saturday, April 3, for a morning of exercise and outdoor fun. Overall winners will be awarded a uniquely decorated Ostrich Egg 1st place, Emu Egg – 2nd place or Rhea Egg Trophy – 3rd place.

Pre-registration deadline is March 26th; all pre-registrations are guaranteed a t-shirt. Race registration begins at the Easter Lake Park Beach at 8 a.m., followed by race time at 9 a.m. Late registrations are not guaranteed a t-shirt or race packet. Youth activities will take place at 10:00 a.m. The event ends with trophies and medals awarded at 10:30 a.m.

To register for the race, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or download a registration form at www.leadingyououtdoors.org in the calendar section. The pre-registration fee is $20. Registration after March 26th and on race day is $30. Events sponsors include 97.3 The Hawk radio, AE Dairy, Casey’s General Store, Des Moines Parks and Recreation, Fitness Sports, Hy-Vee, Polk County Conservation, and the Polk County Wellness Team.

Become a Master Conservationist

Polk County Conservation is sponsoring a Master Conservationist Program on Tuesday evenings beginning April 6 and ending on May 18. The Master Conservationist Program is for individuals interested in conservation, but lack formal training in the conservation field. The evening sessions will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. One all day session will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 22. Sessions include a lecture, discussion, and involve hands-on experiences in the field.

Participants will receive detailed Iowa-specific information, helpful application and management techniques, and views of human impacts and implications. After completion of the training sessions, participants will receive certification as a Master Conservationist Intern. To receive full certification, completion of 32 hours of volunteer service is necessary.

The program is limited to 30 participants. The registration fee is $70 and pre-registration is required by March 26th. The programs will take place in various locations around Polk County. For more information, call Polk County Conservation at (515) 323-5300. To register, go online to www.mycountyparks.com.

I Grew it Myself- A Guide to Growing Healthy Vegetables

Don’t have the time, space, energy, or knowledge to grow your own chemical free vegetables? Throw away your excuses on Tuesday, April 6th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Jester Park Lodge, for a two hour program on how to grow healthy vegetables.

Topics covered will be soil preparation, companion planting, easy weed control, controlling diseases and insects, small space ideas, harvesting tips, clean-up and simple rules for composting.

This public program is sponsored by Polk County Conservation and costs $10 per person. Pre-registration is required by March 30. Register online at www.mycountyparks.com. Fore more information, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300.

Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Join Polk County Conservation on Tuesday, March 2, to learn about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors (O.W.L.S.) programs are free and are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. in the Jester Park Lodge. An optional $7 catered lunch follows each program.

Phyllis Mains’ passion for wildlife and wilderness has led her to encourage others in joining her to protect American’s last remaining pristine wilderness in Alaska. She will share a DVD of her 2007 backpacking adventure to Alaska. The presentation will show the contrasts between the harsh tundra and the more lush Denali lowland.

Pre-registration is required for lunch by calling Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300. The program luncheon registration deadline is Friday, February 26. Join us each month for a new exciting nature topic.

Rediscover the Wonders of Nature with your Child

Introduce a young child to the outdoors with the help of a Naturalist. This special series of nature programming is for 3, 4 and 5 year olds, accompanied by an adult, and will be held at different parks in Polk County.

Nature Friends programs will be held on Tuesday, March 2, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Raccoon River Nature Lodge and on Tuesday, March 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge. The March 2nd theme is Silly Sally. The March 23rd theme is Tricky Tracks. At each one-hour program you and your child will listen to a nature story, make a craft and participate in an outdoor activity. There is a $7 registration fee for each program.

Nature Friends is co-sponsored by Polk County Conservation, Des Moines Izaak Walton League and West Des Moines Parks and Recreation. For information about Nature Friends, call Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300. Pre-registration is required one week prior to the program by calling West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department at (515) 222-3444 or go online to www.wdm-ia.com.

Create a Backyard Habitat

Learn how to take care of your piece of the planet for your own piece of mind on Tuesday, March 2, at the Jester Park Lodge, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Landscape your yard the natural way with Iowa-friendly native plants. Inger Lamb with Prairie Landscapes of Iowa will present this program.

This public program is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required by going on-line to mycountyparks.com by February 26.

“Get Outside” Conservation Videos Now Online

Polk County Conservation recently received a REAP-CEP grant to produce 18 conservation videos. The videos are now available. and will be airing on a variety of local cable stations. The video series titled “Get Out” will show viewers how to have fun while exploring Central Iowa’s great outdoors. Explore the mysterious Skunk River oxbows by kayak, find out the best places to ice fish and cross country ski, go on a guided trail ride at the Jester Park Equestrian Center, or learn where to enjoy some quality hunting close to home. Whatever it is you like to do outdoors, any time is a great time to get outside! So what are you waiting for... check out these videos and then... GET OUTSIDE!!!

For more information, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300.

Firewood Policy, Polk County Conservation Board

PURPOSE:

To reduce the risk of accidental introduction of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB) and other damaging forest pests into PCC recreation areas and forests through the implementation of an effective firewood policy.

SPECIFICS – FIREWOOD ALLOWED:

1. In-state firewood that is not from a EAB quarantined area.

2. Untreated dimensional lumber such as scrap 2" x 4".

3. USDA certified firewood is also allowed: Bundled firewood purchased in-state at a commercial store (even from a quarantined county) can be brought in if each bundle of firewood exhibits a USDA Stamp indicating the firewood vendor has a compliance agreement with USDA. (See example of compliance agreement stamp below.) The agreement will have a unique compliance agreement number at the bottom (for example IN-012) that will be different for each vendor, but the rest of the stamp is standard.

SPECIFICS – FIREWOOD NOT ALLOWED:

1. Out of state firewood.

NOTE: All firewood transported from or through state or federal quarantined area that is not federally or state certified as pest free. Areas currently quarantined include all or parts of Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, and Ontario, Canada.

ENFORCEMENT: Actions to respond to the discovery of firewood from out-of-state, but not a quarantined area:

1. Ask campers to immediately burn all restricted firewood: Use discretion to provide a time period to the camper on burning the restricted firewood (not to exceed 24 hours).

2. If a camper brings out-of-state firewood that isn’t from a quarantined area and doesn’t agree to burn the firewood immediately, we will require them to double bag the wood turn over to the camp host/PCC staff. Refunds of camping fees or firewood are not permitted.

3. Warnings and Citations: Verbal or written warnings should be used for the majority of discoveries. If a citation is deemed necessary it should be written, under Failure to comply to a lawful order- Interference: 719.1

ENFORCEMENT: Actions to respond to firewood from quarantined areas:

1. PCC Staff will confiscate the firewood and double bag it. Staff will fill out the “Information Sheet Quarantined Firewood from a Regulated Area.”

2. Refunds of camping fees or firewood are not permitted.

4. The Natural Resources Manager will contact Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and/or Iowa Dept of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS): He will coordinate with APHIS and/or the appropriate state department on violations involving federal or state quarantine respectively.

Pond and Woodland Improvements Begin at Thomas Mitchell Park

Major improvements will be taking place in the next three years which will improve the quality of the woodlands and pond in Thomas Mitchell Park. This 175-acre park in eastern Polk County features a 6-acre lake that has been a favorite fishing spot for many years. Unfortunately, during the summer of 2007, an algae die off caused a fish kill that left very few fish remaining in the pond. The pond is extremely shallow due to erosion and sediment run off from the Thomas Mitchell pond watershed.

Funding from the Watershed Improvement Review Board in the amount of $246,000 and from the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the amount of $6,870 will be used to save the pond and improve the health of the woodland. Grant dollars will fund the installation of 4-7 water control structures, construction and connection of new tile lines, reestablishment of native vegetation, pond dredging, fish restocking, and timber stand improvement.

Clearing of invasive species, weed and diseased trees has begun and will continue intensely throughout the winter. A more detailed time line and project description can be found online at www.leadingyououtdoors.org. Questions can also be directed to 515-323-5300.