Polk County Conservation

09/06/2026

Gather your friends and family together for a low-cost night of fun at Jester Park’s Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center.

Opportunities will be available for bouldering (ages 4+) and archery (ages 10+), playing a variety of family games and puzzles, and enjoying time outdoors, or in, by the fire making s’mores. Light snacks will be provided. Pay cash or card at the door for this open-house style event.

COST: $5 per person; children under 4 are free

AGES: All ages welcome

09/06/2026

Exciting news at Jester Park!

Bright new NaviLens codes are now posted throughout the Nature Center, making the park more accessible and easier to explore than ever before. Just scan the colorful squares with the "NaviLens GO" app to access interactive maps, fun facts, and instant translations into your preferred language.

Visitors with visual impairments can use the "NaviLens" app for spatial audio cues, exhibit text read aloud, and effortless navigation—no precise camera aiming needed. The app can scan the vibrant squares from up to 50 feet away, even in low light!

A more inclusive adventure awaits at Jester Park—come explore with us! 🌿

Both the "NaviLens" and "NaviLens GO" apps are FREE and available offline after download.

09/02/2026

Exploring nature, together because the best adventures at Easter Lake Park are the ones we share.

08/30/2026

Your nature oasis awaits. Customize your dream wedding or event at the Jester Park Lodge, where affordability meets breathtaking views. Book your date today!

Book at the link in the comments.

08/30/2026

Reduce your stress, calm your mind, track your personal growth, and process your emotions through the power of journaling. Polk County Conservation is hosting two journal-centric programs revolving around the power of expressing your emotions on paper while in nature.

Journaling events:
- Nature Quest: Nature Journaling | September 12, register by September 9
- Nature Immersion: Approaching the Equinox with Nature Journaling | September 18, register by September 15

Click the link in the comments to register for these events.

08/25/2026

August is the warm‑up act for one of nature’s greatest migrations! 🦋

Monarch movement in Iowa peaks in September, led by the “Super Generation" (monarchs that live 6–7 months instead of just a few weeks). These long‑lived travelers fuel up in our prairies and parks before beginning their incredible journey all the way to central Mexico. Keep an eye on blooming native flowers… the monarchs are gathering!

08/25/2026

Watch the progress of Hubbell Trailhead!

The Hubbell Trailhead will include a whitewater feature, kayak launch and boat ramp, along with a recreation channel, among other amenities.

A live construction camera has been installed at the site – you can follow progress here:
https://app.oxblue.com/cameras/a937e0d2592e46c030cc5703bd55fc72?openlink=multivista/ICONwatertrailsllc

08/22/2026

Take a look inside the Jester Park Nature Center with Iowa Realty 's Home Show as they explore the greatness of the outdoors with us ☀️

Cassandra Halls goes to one of Iowa's leading nature centers that i...

08/21/2026

Join the Iowa Master Naturalist course this Fall at Jester Park Nature Center!

Classes run Saturdays from 12:30pm to 3:30 pm, starting September 19 through December 5. After training, gain hands-on experience with 40 hours of nature-related volunteer work for certification.

Cost: $250 for 40 hours of instruction and materials.

For more info, email [email protected] or visit IowaMasterNaturalists.org! 🌿🦋

08/20/2026

Stay informed with Polk County Conservation's Water Ecologist, Amanda Brown, as she discusses the safety of our water 💧