|
Feb 7
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
|
OWLS (Older Wiser Livelier Seniors) - Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Come hear from Nancy Corona, Visitor Services Manager, from Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge as she shares an overview about the refuge. S
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 8
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
|
Knee-High Naturalist - Snow and Ice - FREE
Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun!
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 10
Friday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
|
Home School - Rocks and Fossils AM - FREE
Join us each month for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is specially designed for homeschool students.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 10
Friday 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
|
Home School - Rocks and Fossils PM - FREE
Join us each month for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is specially designed for homeschool students.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 10
Friday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
|
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+).
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 11
Saturday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
|
Global Migrations - Great White Sharks
Join us each month this season for a family-friendly evening focused on the annual migrations of a chosen animal species. Together, we will learn some geography, animal facts, and particular migration details that are sure to amaze us all.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 11
Saturday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
|
Owl You Need is Love
Join us to celebrate Iowa’s true winter romantics…the owls! By Valentine’s Day owls are often sitting on a nest of eggs. Learn why owls court in winter, and which owls call Iowa home.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 12
Sunday 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
|
Antler Shed Hunt
Learn tips on finding shed antlers and then head out to find sheds that have been hidden around the park just for you!
| Programs |
Thomas Mitchell Park
|
|
Feb 12
Sunday 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
|
Winter Hike
Join a naturalist for peaceful hike on a winter’s day. We will learn what animals do to survive the harsh Iowa winters.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 12
Sunday 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
|
Sweet Heart Snowshoe Hike
Looking for something a little different to do with your sweetheart? Come learn how to snowshoe while exploring the great outdoors. A fire and refreshments will make this hike extra special.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 15
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
|
Story Tellabration - In the Jungle
Join volunteer storyteller, Carmen Epstein, for a fun, interactive tale tailored toward children ages 2 to 6 that explores the wonders of the outdoors. During each program, participants enjoy interactive stories and an activity.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 15
Wednesday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
|
Mindfulness and Movement
Sometimes we forget we are part of nature, sharing water and air with all other beings on the planet. Controlling our breath and moving our bodies in focused ways can bring back a connection with the natural world.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 18
Saturday 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
|
Needle Felting
Learn the art of needle-felting! You’ll create a beautiful design using only wool and a needle. T
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 18
Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
|
Winter Hike
Join a naturalist for a hike in a winter wonderland as we search for animal signs. We will also learn how different animals survive the cold Iowa winters. Dress for the weather.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 21
Tuesday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
|
Women in the Woods with Wine - Cool Craniums
Every skull has a story to tell — like a mystery! How did this animal live when it was alive? And what is it? The features of a mammal skull provide clues to answer these questions and solve the mystery.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 23
Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
|
Book Worms - Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization - FREE
Join our book club with Naturalist Heidi Anderson to discuss The Overstory by Richard Powers.
| Programs |
Polk County Education Programs
|
|
Feb 23
Thursday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
|
Sustainability Series - Going Solar - FREE
Do you want to learn more about solar power for your home or business? Join Polk County Conservation in an open forum for participants to ask questions of energy experts. The energy expert will discuss the pros and cons of solar power.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 24
Friday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
|
Snowshoeing & Shinrin Yoku Retreat
Enjoy an active hour of snowshoeing followed by two hours of nature immersion with Shinrin Yoku. Brandy Case Haub, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, will be leading this interactive class.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 25
Saturday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
|
Critter Club
Meet Jester Park Nature Center’s Resident turtles, snakes, and toad to learn about these unique animals. Discover the importance of the ambassador animals and their special role in education.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 25
Saturday 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
|
Winter Tree Identification - FREE
Take a hike through the woods and learn a few key characteristics helpful in tree identification during winter. We’ll collect some clues to bring back to the classroom to look at under microscopes.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Feb 26
Sunday 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
|
Wild Pride - All About Antlers
Polk County Conservation is working to provide a safe and affirming space in the Des Moines metro for the LGBTQ+ families (includes guardians or youth.) Each month we’ll focus on a different nature topic as we explore the outdoors together.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Mar 2
Thursday 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
|
Toddler Tales - Nocturnal Animals
Let your imagination run wild with this fun, nature-themed story time! Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Mar 3
Friday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
|
Home School - Plant Parts and Seeds AM - FREE
On the first Friday of the month join one of our naturalists as they lead an environmental education program specifically created for homeschool students.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Mar 3
Friday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
|
Home School - Plant Parts and Seeds PM - FREE
On the first Friday of the month join one of our naturalists as they lead an environmental education program specifically created for homeschool students.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
|
Mar 5
Sunday 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
|
Holi: Celebration of Colors and Spring - FREE
Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival celebrated all over the world. Join us for a morning of new beginnings. During this program we will learn all about the history of the Holi, take part in hands-on activities to welcome spring.
| Programs |
Jester Park
|
