Polk County Conservation

Our mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and long-term protection of Polk County's natural heritage.

05/31/2026

Enjoy the magic of summer nights with live music at the Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series!

Grab your lawn chairs for a season of FREE outdoor concerts at Athene North Shore Recreation Area , Jester Park Nature Center , and Sleepy Hollow.

🕠 Venue opens: 5pm
🎸 Music: 6:30–8:30pm
📍 Different locations all summer long!

Dates, locations, and artists below:
- June 4 - Sleepy Hollow - Hot Off The Grill
- June 11 - Athene North Shore Recreation Area Event Center - The Matt Woods Band Matt Woods Roots Music
- June 18 - Jester Park Nature Center - Weary Ramblers Weary Ramblers
- July 2 - Sleepy Hollow - Brittany Sword Brittany Sword
- July 9 - Athene North Shore Recreation Area Event Center - Hot Off the Grill
- July 16 - Jester Park Nature Center - The Lamplighters The Lamplighters
- August 7 - Sleepy Hollow - Buckmiller & Lubbers of Dogtown Rhythm Band https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574964681637
- August 13 - Athene North Shore Recreation Area Event Center - Rutabaga
- August 20 - Jester Park Nature Center - Joshua Sinclair JOSHUA SINCLAIR
- August 27 - Sleepy Hollow - The Matt Woods Band Matt Woods Roots Music

Be a master of conservation! Fall registration is open for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program. Gra...
05/30/2026

Be a master of conservation! Fall registration is open for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program.

Graduates from this program will complete 12 hours of online course work and several in-person, in-the-field meetings. Leave the program with a certification and a passion for leading and encouraging others to improve conservation in your area.

Register at the link in the comments.

ISU Extension and Outreach - Polk County

05/29/2026

Splash Pad updated hours 💧

In support of Central Iowa Water Works’ request to reduce water usage, the splash pad at Athene North Shore Recreation Area will be reducing their hours temporarily.

Starting today, the splash pad will be open daily 10am – 6pm.

Experience summer fun while learning a new skill. The Summer Skill program has six days in June with a themed experience...
05/28/2026

Experience summer fun while learning a new skill. The Summer Skill program has six days in June with a themed experience each day. There’s lots of skills your child can learn this summer: archery, fishing, paddling, etc. So sign up for one, or sign up for all.

For ages 10-16, each session is $10 and registration is required at least two days before the session.

Click the link to register in the comments today!

Take a trip to historical Iowa locations with insightful guides on a Polk County Conservation Bus Trip. 🚌From charming c...
05/27/2026

Take a trip to historical Iowa locations with insightful guides on a Polk County Conservation Bus Trip. 🚌

From charming countryside, to majestic wildlife, to rustic barn tours- there is so much to explore just outside your window. Each month this summer has a bus trip scheduled, so there are plenty of opportunities to join.

Click the link in the comments to learn more or register for one of these trips!

Big news—Brenton Slough is officially opening, and you’re invited!Enjoy nature games, discover ongoing plant and wildlif...
05/24/2026

Big news—Brenton Slough is officially opening, and you’re invited!

Enjoy nature games, discover ongoing plant and wildlife research, hunt for insects or birds, and hop on a hayrack ride with friends and family.

When: June 6, 9am–12pm
Where: Event entrance located southwest of Brenton Slough to help accommodate the crowd. Link in the comments to view the Google Maps location.

River Rats Summer Camp is still accepting participants. If you have a young experienced paddler, this camp is for them. ...
05/22/2026

River Rats Summer Camp is still accepting participants.

If you have a young experienced paddler, this camp is for them. During this camp they will explore Central Iowa's rivers while testing their paddling skills.

The deadline for this camp is May 28th, but if you miss it don't worry. There are two other sessions this summer you can still sign up for, but don't wait, sign up now!

Ages: 12 - 16
Registration at the link in the comments.

Awaken your senses with a gentle forest bathing experience this spring. Join us May 31, 9–11am at Thomas Mitchell Park t...
05/20/2026

Awaken your senses with a gentle forest bathing experience this spring.

Join us May 31, 9–11am at Thomas Mitchell Park to slow down, notice the season’s subtle shifts, and reconnect with nature.

Registration required by May 27 • Ages 18+ • $10

Link in the comments.

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt campground is back open!After flooding caused the campground to close, we are excited to sha...
05/18/2026

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt campground is back open!

After flooding caused the campground to close, we are excited to share that Chichaqua is back open for camping. Check My County Parks website for availability and book your next getaway now!

Link in the comments to book.

Help your local pollinators thrive 🦋🐝Join us for a hands-on Butterfly & Bee Bath Workshop where you’ll create a beautifu...
05/16/2026

Help your local pollinators thrive 🦋🐝

Join us for a hands-on Butterfly & Bee Bath Workshop where you’ll create a beautiful, functional water bowl to take home. Learn why shallow water sources are essential during the warmer months and get expert tips on placement and care.

Registration required • $15 • Ages 16+
May 30 | 10–11:30am | Jester Park Nature Center
Deadline to register: May 25, link in comments to register.

Address

12130 NW 128th Street
Granger, IA
50109

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15153235300

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