News Releases
Head Indoors and Take the Pony Express to Santa
Posted 12-02-2008
Take the Pony Express to Santa at the Jester Park Equestrian Center. Elves will deliver children of all ages to Santa on top of a pony from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 13 and 20.
Children will take their picture with Santa and a pony, visit a craft area to make a frame for their picture, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. The cost is $20 per child. Wagon or sleigh rides will also be available for an additional $5 fee per person. Reservations are not needed.
The Jester Park Equestrian Center is located at 11171 NW 103 Ct., Granger. Go to
www.jesterparkec.com
for driving directions to the Center or contact 515-999-2818. Volunteers are needed to help make this program possible. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Equestrian Center.
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 Stories, Songs, and More
Posted 12-02-2008
Are you looking for some interesting nature stories and fun songs to share with your family? Join a Polk County naturalist on Tuesday, December 30, as they introduce you and your child to some new family-oriented activities. This free program will be held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Jester Park Lodge. Participants are required to bring a great attitude and their enthusiasm to this program for all ages.
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. A reference list of all the stories and song lyrics will be available to take home.
For more information or directions to Jester Park, go to the Polk County Conservation website at
www.leadingyououtdoors.org
or call 515-323-5300.
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 or activity, contact Polk County Conservation.
Learn the Basics of Fly-Tying
Posted 12-02-2008
If you are a beginner or an expert at fly-fishing and have always wanted to learn how to tie your own flies, now is your chance. Join Polk County Conservation at the Jester Park Lodge from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, for a “hands-on” fly-tying program.
Instructors from Central Iowa Fly Fishers will discuss the difference between wet and dry flies, streamers, bucktails, nymphs, and when to use them. Afterwards, participants will learn how to tie a wooly bugger and a nymph. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by
January 2, along with a $10 fee per person.
Questions and registrations for this program can be answered by calling Polk County Conservation at (515) 323-5300 or by viewing 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.
Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors: Tacitus Hussey and the Des Moines River
Posted 12-02-2008
Join Polk County Conservation on Tuesday, January 6, to learn about Des Moines pioneer Tacitus Hussey. 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.
John Wenck will offer a presentation about Tacitus Hussey (1834-1919), a Des Moines pioneer and lover of the outdoors who authored a book of poetry with a detailed narrative of a week long paddling trip he and a friend took from Humboldt to Des Moines in the 1890s. “Tac”, as his friends called him, was a business man, but mostly known as a well-liked writer and poet whose fondness for the Des Moines River was well known.
Pre-registration is required for lunch by calling Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300. The program luncheon registration deadline is Friday, January 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.
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)