Conservation
2024 Prescribed Burning Season
Conservation Promoted
2024 Prescribed Burning Season

Prescribed burn season is upon us! Our Natural Resource Crews will be conducting prescribed burning in our parks and trails as weather allows this week and extending through the spring season.

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2/27/2024

No Snow, No Problem
Conservation Promoted
No Snow, No Problem

Slide down a 600-foot-long hill tubing starting this spring at Sleepy Hollow.

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2/26/2024

A Day at Carney Marsh
Conservation Promoted
A Day at Carney Marsh

Listening to the sounds of nature one might hear while enjoying the beauty of Carney Marsh.

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9/27/2023

Women in the Woods with Wine - Wolves and Wild Lands
Conservation Events
Women in the Woods with Wine - Wolves and Wild Lands

Explore the Wolves and Wild Lands exhibit at the nature center then visit virtually with the Education Specialist, Jules Wilkinson, from the International Wolf Center in Ely Minnesota.

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3/19/2024

Lunch and Learn: Crane Count 2024
Conservation Events
Lunch and Learn: Crane Count 2024

Join us for this virtual Lunch & Learn to learn about sandhill cranes and the annual crane count!

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3/20/2024

Homeschool Programs
Conservation Events
Homeschool Programs

Join us for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is designed for homeschool students. Each month we will explore a new theme related to the natural world.

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3/22/2024

What is a Wetland?
Conservation News
What is a Wetland?

A wetland is an area of land that is continuously or periodically wet during the year. Also called swamps, marshes, bogs, or prairie potholes, Iowa was once dotted with thousands of wetlands.

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1/29/2024

Homeschool Programs
Conservation Events
Homeschool Programs

Join us for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is designed for homeschool students. Each month we will explore a new theme related to the natural world.

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3/22/2024

Timber Stand Improvement
Conservation News
Timber Stand Improvement

Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) is a form of restoration work that occurs in degraded woodlands with the goal of improving the quality of native tree and plant species. Often this involves reducing the quantity of trees, especially non-native varieties.

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1/22/2024

Family Fun Night
Conservation Events
Family Fun Night

Gather your friends and family together for a night of fun at Jester Park’s Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. Opportunities will be available for bouldering (age 4+) and archery (age 10+). A variety of games will be available.

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3/22/2024

Thrills, Chills, And Gills
Conservation News
Thrills, Chills, And Gills

Ice fishing is a great way to take advantage of the cooler months and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Polk County has resources for you to have a safe and satisfying experience.

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12/19/2023

Rain Barrel Workshop
Conservation Events
Rain Barrel Workshop

Come construct your own rain barrel at this make and take workshop. Not only will you learn how to build a barrel, we will also discuss how to hook up, maintain, and usage of rain barrel water. All supplies provided. Make sure you have a way to transport your barrel home.

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3/23/2024