Polk County Conservation

News Releases

Creek Walk
Posted 6-30-09

Cool off this summer by taking a Creek Walk at Thomas Mitchell Park, Shelter #1 on Thursday, July 9, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Explore and investigate life in an Iowa stream with a Polk County Conservation naturalist. Participants need to where old clothes and shoes that are secure and can get wet.

This public program is free and all ages are welcome. For more information, call Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

No individual with a disability will be excluded from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in this program, contact Polk County Conservation.

Discover the Beauty of Tallgrass Prairie
Posted 6-30-09

Discover the beauty of a tallgrass prairie with a Polk County Conservation naturalist on Saturday, July 25. This scenic hike will take place from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Sand Hill Prairie Unit. Participants will learn about the plants, animals, and history of this once dominant habitat of Iowa. All ages are welcome to attend this free public program. Pre-registration is not required.

For directions to Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or go online to www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

No individual with a disability will be excluded on the basis of a disability from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in any program or activity, contact Polk County Conservation.

Kayaking Basics
Posted 6-30-09

Learn some kayak basics while you explore Fort Des Moines Park on Saturday, July 25. A Polk County Conservation naturalist will be teaching the basics of recreational kayaking from 10 a.m. – noon at the Fort Des Moines Park pond. Participants will learn about types of kayaks, equipment, techniques and more.

Pre-registration for this program is required by July 17. The registration fee is $10 per person and participants must be at least 15 years of age. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided.

To register, go to www.mycountyparks.com. Contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 for questions.

No individual with a disability will be excluded from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in this program or activity, contact Polk County Conservation.

Fishing Basics
Posted 6-30-09

Summer is here and a great way to enjoy the warmer weather is to go fishing. Join Polk County Conservation on Thursday, July 16, from 6-8 p.m., at the Thomas Mitchell Park pond or Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Fort Des Moines Park pond. Learn about the different kinds of fish in Iowa, fishing safety, casting, and how to tie a hook.

This free Polk County Conservation program is designed for beginners. Anyone over the age of 16 will need to have a 2009 Iowa Fishing License. Bait and poles will be provided.

For more information or directions, call Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or check out their website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

No individual with a disability will be excluded on the basis of a disability from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in this program, contact Polk County Conservation.

Dutch Oven Cooking
Posted 6-30-09

Are you prepared for the camping season? Cooking in the outdoors can be easy and fun. Learn how to cook an entire meal or a mouth watering dessert in a Dutch oven. Recipes will be shared and everyone will get a chance to prepare and sample a variety of foods.

Dutch Oven Cooking will take place on Saturday, July 18, at Jester Park, Shelter #3, from 9 a.m. - noon. The cost of this program is $25 per person and pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is July 10. For more information, call 323-5300 or register online at www.mycountyparks.com.

No individual with a disability will be excluded on the basis of a disability from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in any program or activity, contact Polk County Conservation.

Nature Photography
Posted 6-10-09

Capture the beauty of nature on film. Taking quality photographs in the backyard, at your local park, or while on vacation requires some basic photography techniques. Learn how to make the most out of your time and money spent on camera supplies. Take the best photographs you can for a lifetime of scenic memories.

Local photographer, Ty Smedes, will be instructing participants during a two evening class on July 7 and 9. Nature Photography will be held the first evening from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Jester Park Lodge and the second evening from 6 p.m. to sunset at the Green Meadows West Prairie in Johnston. Students will be practicing outdoors on the second evening. Participants are asked to bring their own digital SLR camera and come prepared to learn about equipment, basic digital camera and post-processing concepts, photographic technique, composition, and lighting as it relates to wildlife, scenic, wildflower, and macro photography.

Class size is limited, so pre-register soon by going on-line to www.mycountyparks.com. This program for adults requires a $25 fee. Minimum age is 12.

No individual with a disability will be excluded on the basis of a disability from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in this program, contact Polk County Conservation.

Rediscover the Wonders of Nature with your Child
Posted 6-10-09

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 Monday, June 29, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Quail Cove Park (WDM); Tuesday, July 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Easter Lake Park, Fishing pier-north side; Monday, July 27, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Jester Park; and on Tuesday, August 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairmeadows Park (WDM). The June 29th theme is Animal Homes. The July 14th theme is Fishing. The July 27th theme is Fossils. The August 11th theme is Squirrels. 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.

Flying Pig Fiddle and Banjo Featured on July 3 at Jester Park
Posted 6-10-09

Be entertained by the old time music of Flying Pig Fiddle and Banjo with Dave Losure and Mary Schaeffer-Losure over the Independence Day Weekend at Jester Park on the evening of July 3, from 6-8 p.m.

This performance will encourage the audience to participate by playing rhythm instruments like the washboard, washtub bass and limberjack, lead those interested in dances, and teach basic hambone and clogging rhythms. Or just sit back and enjoy the music from a variety of origins. All ages are welcome. Polk County Conservation and Metro Arts Alliance are sponsoring this free public performance. Bring lawn chairs, a picnic supper, and enjoy the music.

The entertainment will be located at Shelter #3.

Ticket to the Outdoors – Summer Camp
Posted 6-10-09

Learn how to ride horseback, golf, canoe, and geocache during summer camp at Jester Park on July 27, 28, and 29th.

Polk County Conservation is sponsoring an outdoor summer camp for children ages 10-14. Campers will learn about horse behavior and safety, grooming and tack, and some basic riding skills. Golf fundamentals will be taught on the par 3 golf course. Campers will also learn how to canoe and use a GPS unit and search for geocaches.

A $120 fee is required for this camp that runs from 1 - 4:30 p.m. each day. Pre-registration is required by going on-line to www.mycountyparks.com. Space is limited.

No individual with a disability will be excluded from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in this program, contact Polk County Conservation.

Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors: Iowa Grape and Wine Industry
Posted 6-10-09

Join Polk County Conservation on Tuesday, July 7, to learn about Iowa’s growing wine industry. 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.

Jean Groben with Jasper Winery will share information about Iowa’s growing wine industry. 2008 wine sales are estimated to be more than $22 million. Iowa currently boasts 70 licensed wineries, up from just 18 in 2002.

Pre-registration is required for lunch by registering online at www.mycountyparks.com. The program luncheon registration deadline is Thursday, July 2. Join us each month for a new exciting nature topic. Go online to www.leadingyououtdoors.org to see a listing of the 2009 OWLS programs.

Native American Gardening
Posted 5-27-09

Learn about gardening techniques used by the first farmers of Iowa- the Indians- on June 6, July 11, and August 22.

What did they use for tools? What did their gardens look like? How did they cook and preserve their food? Are original Native American seeds available today? Program locations and times are as follows:

June 6- 2-3 p.m. at Thomas Mitchell Park, Shelter #1
July 11- 2-3 p.m. at Jester Park, Shelter #2
August 22- 2-3 p.m. at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Longhouse

This public program is free and all ages are welcome. For more information, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or go online to www.leadingyououtdoors.org. No individual with a disability will be excluded from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in this program, contact Polk County Conservation.

Nature Play Dates
Posted 5-27-09

Reserve time to reconnect and rediscover the wonders of nature with your child or family at this summer. Join a Polk County Conservation naturalist on June 3, June 17, July 15, or July 29 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for a nature play date. Locations include:
June 3- Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter #1
June 17- Greenwood Park Pond
July 15- Easter Lake Park, Shelter #4
July 29- Jester Park Natural Playscape

Make time for some unstructured nature discovery of the woods and natural areas. Wear clothes and tennis shoes that can get dirty. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a picnic in the park following the play date. This free program is sponsored by Polk County Conservation and does not require pre-registration.

For more information, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or go online to www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

Nature’s Story Hour
Posted 5-27-09

It’s a picnic in the park for the family! Join a Polk County Conservation naturalist for a casual lunch hour of outdoor nature discovery through stories, puppets, felt boards and hands-on learning. Bring your picnic blanket, sack lunch, and enjoy an outside story hour.

This family program provides the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn about nature, and participate in some fun-filled summer activities. Nature’s Story Hour is a free program designed for youth of all ages. The programs will be held on:

June 10 at Easter Lake Park, Shelter #4;
June 17 at the MacRae Park Shelter;
June 24 at the Ashby Park Shelter;
July 8 at Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter #2;
July 22 at the Grandview Park Shelter; and
August 12 at Jester Park, Shelter #6.

Pre-registration is not required. All programs will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. For more information, contact Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or visit their website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

Black Hills Tour
Posted 5-27-09

Book your summer vacation to the Black Hills in South Dakota from July 11-16.

Birding, scenic hikes, spelunking, and historical site tours are just a few of the activities you will take part in during this trip lead by Polk County Conservation. Participants will also enjoy three days of camping in beautiful Custer State Park. Other destination sites include Badlands National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Wind Cave National Park.

The trip fee is $475 per person and you must be 21 years old to attend. This fee includes transportation, lodging, entrance fees, and most meals. Participants will need to provide personal items, tent, sleeping bag, and money for meals while traveling. Pre-registration is required on-line at www.mycountyparks.com before June 19.

For more information, contact Joe Boyles at 515-323-5362. No individual with a disability will be excluded from participation in programs and activities conducted by Polk County Conservation. To request an accommodation to participate in this program, contact Polk County Conservation.

Firewood Policy, Polk County Conservation Board
Posted 5-15-09

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.

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

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.

Run for the Egg Results
Posted 4-13-2009

Overall winners for Run for the Egg event held on Saturday, April 11. Results

Jester Park Taking Registrations for 2009 Junior Golf Camps
Posted 3-25-2009

Up and coming golfers can enhance their skills by attending a Junior Golf Camp at the Jester Park Golf Course this summer. Top quality golf instruction will be given on a beginner level. All camps run from 8-11:30 a.m. Camp dates are as follows:

June 9-12
June 16-20
July 7-10
July 21-24
August 4-7
August 11-14

Camps are designed for boys and girls, ages 8-14, and are $110 per child. Each day will begin with instruction at the Practice Facility, followed by play on the Par 3 course. Class sizes are limited, so pre-register by calling the Jester Park Golf Course at 515.999.2903 or go online to download a registration form at www.jesterparkgolf.com.

County Picnic Shelters, Nature Programs, and Campsites Now Reservable Online
Posted 3-19-2009

Effective March 17, 2009, Polk County Conservation is now reserving park picnic shelters, nature programs and trips, and some campsites at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Jester, Thomas Mitchell, and Yellow Banks Parks through the internet at www.mycountyparks.com.

Users will need to set up an account and pay for their reservations with a credit card. Park picnic shelters and the Chichaqua Longhouse can be reserved two years in advance and campsites can be reserved one year in advance. Detailed information and photos associated with the facilities and programs is also found online within the reservation program.

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

Dennis Parker Selected as Polk County Conservation Director
Posted 3-12-2009

At their monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 11, the Polk County Conservation Board selected Dennis Parker as the new Conservation Director. Mr. Parker is currently a Technical Services Team Leader at Chippewa National Forest in Cass Lake, Minnesota. He is also an adjunct instructor at Bemidji State University.

Mr. Parker’s position at Chippewa National Forest allows him to oversee a 1.6 million acre national forest with a $12 million dollar budget. He provides team oversight to forest recreation, transportation, lands, special uses, minerals, fleet and archaeology programs, and directly supervises a 15-person team with these responsibilities. Dennis is a 1976 graduate of Iowa State University and has taken graduate classes at Utah State University.

Mr. Parker will begin his new Director position at the beginning of May. Polk County Conservation manages 18 parks, wildlife areas, and recreational trails totaling more than 11,000 acres. Their mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and the long-term protection of Polk County’s natural heritage.

MidAmerican Energy Offers Residential Tree Planting Program in Central Iowa
Posted 3-12-2009

Residential customers of MidAmerican Energy in central Iowa can reduce future energy use and at the same time landscape their homes through Plant some shade®, an expanded tree-planting program.

Plant some shade is a partnership initiative to aid long-term energy and natural resources conservation. The program is funded by MidAmerican Energy and administered by Polk County Conservation, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Bureau of Forestry, The Great Outdoors Fund, and volunteers of the Central Iowa Arbor Society.

Plant some shade enables MidAmerican Energy’s central Iowa residential customers to purchase up to two, three to eight-feet landscape trees for just $25 each. Approximately 650 high-quality trees are available on a first-come, first-ordered basis. Tree species available include swamp white oak, red oak, red sunset maple, tulip tree, golden raindrop crabapple, green mountain sugar maple, and Black Hills spruce.

“Encouraging residents to plant trees in their yard is an effective way to reduce energy costs and promote a healthy and aesthetically pleasing environment,” said Rick Leuthauser, manager of energy efficiency for MidAmerican Energy. “We’re pleased to be funding Plant some shade and we hope many customers participate.”

Advance orders for Plant some shade are required. Individuals may obtain applications at www.greatoutdoorsfund.org. Orders will be accepted until all trees have been sold.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for homeowners to get a quality tree at an affordable price,” said Matt Brewer, forestry volunteer coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Spring is an ideal time to plant and establish new trees, too. The season’s warm days and cool nights are prime for root growth.”

Trees will be available for pickup at the Hoover State Office Building south parking lot, located at the intersection of S.E. 14th and E. Court Avenue in Des Moines between 8:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2. For more information about Plant some shade, call Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300.

MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa’s largest energy company, provides electric service to 720,000 customers and natural gas service to 702,000 customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. It is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Information about MidAmerican is available on the Internet at www.midamericanenergy.com.

2009 Camping Coupon Books Available for Polk County Campgrounds
Posted 3-6-2009

Discount camping coupon booklets are available through Polk County Conservation for the 2009 season. 7-day electric and non-electric booklets can be purchased at the Conservation Administration Office.

Electric booklets sell for $100 (a $19 value) and non-electric booklets sell for $70 (a $14 value). Coupons do not have to be used for consecutive night stays and cannot be used for reservable sites. Polk County Conservation campgrounds include Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Jester Park, Thomas Mitchell Park, and Yellow Banks Park.

To purchase a coupon booklet, call Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 to pay with credit card or stop in the office located at Jester Park Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Directions and information about Polk County campgrounds can be found online at www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

Pond and Woodland Improvements Begin at Thomas Mitchell Park
Posted 12-15-2008

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.

Listen & Learn... It's all Just a Click Away
Posted 10-31-2008

Polk County Conservation now offers nature podcasts. These fun and educational audio podcasts will inform listeners about exploring the outdoors, Iowa’s plant and animal life, how to live more green, and much more. After you listen, please take a moment to fill out the online survey so we can improve upon future episodes.

Check them out by going directly to Polk County Conservation’s website www.leadingyououtdoors.org

Or, you may subscribe to them by going to one of the following sites:
www.itunes.com
www.podcastalley.com
www.mediafly.com

Funding for nature podcasts provided by “Resource Enhancement and Protection Program/Conservation Education Program" (REAP/CEP)