Volunteer Project Catalog
Polk County Conservation
The Jester Park Equestrian Center is creating a new obstacle trail for Veterans and Service Members participating in the Horses Helping Heroes Program. Volunteers will help clear vegetation and brush along the path in preparation for the obstacles to be built and installed.
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Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation welcome you to our annual fall harvest event! Staff and volunteers will collect native prairie seed to diversify and expand the prairie under the setting sun and rising Hunter’s Moon. Collecting seed from plant species ready to harvest for future habitat restoration sites is an effective way to help conserve this unique and important landscape. Following the harvest, we’ll gather around a campfire to enjoy s’mores and celebrate autumn in good company under the waxing moon. Ages 0 – 99 are encouraged to don a costume and partake in Trunk or Treat activities, with a conservation spin, at the bonfire for candy! It is recommended to bring a headlamp or flashlight for this event. Free group tent camping is provided for all registered participants. October 19th @ 5:30pm -8:30pm Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Schedule: 5:00pm - 5:30 pm Volunteer check-in at the Natural Resource Headquarters building 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Seed Harvesting 7:30 pm - 8:30pm Bonfire & Trunk or Treat activities *If you arrive past 5:45pm, follow the roadside wayfinding signs to the harvest location 2.5 miles from the Natural Resource Headquarters.
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Polk County Conservation
Join us for a rewarding day in the great outdoors as we work together to protect one of the most endangered ecosystems on planet Earth – Iowa’s tallgrass prairies. Alongside staff and your fellow volunteers, we will spend a day collecting seed from native plants that are ready to harvest. Your efforts play a crucial role in Polk County Conservation’s mission to conserve native habitat. By diversifying local plant genetics and expanding tallgrass prairies across our parks, we contribute to carbon storage, flood control, soil loss prevention, recreational opportunities for people, and provide food and shelter for wildlife. This work not only benefits our local environment but also has far-reaching positive effects across the globe. As a volunteer, you'll enhance your plant identification skills and learn about the significance of prairies, all while contributing to the restoration of these important grasslands. By saving prairies in Iowa, we take a meaningful step toward preserving the environment on a global scale. Join us to make a difference not only in our community but across the world. Upcoming Dates: September 10, 13, 20, 24, 27 @ 10 AM - 3 PM October 11, 15, 22, 25 @ 10 AM - 3 PM Schedule: 9:45 - 10 AM: Volunteer check-in 10 - 10:15 AM: Project introduction and safety chat 10:15 - 10:30 AM: Mobilize to harvest location 10:30 AM - 12 PM: Morning harvest session 12 - 1 PM: Break 12:45 - 1 PM: Volunteer check-in for new afternoon participants *if you are returning from volunteering in the morning session, meet back at harvest location 1 - 3 PM: Afternoon harvest session Location: Meet at the Natural Resources Headquarters located at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Be an important part of distributing native trees to Iowa residents at a low cost and contribute to the expansion of shade trees in residential areas! The Iowa DNR, through a partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is excited to offer private residents the opportunity to buy landscape-sized trees at an extreme discount. Trees provide a myriad of benefits to homeowners including reduced home heating and cooling costs, decreased stormwater, shade for outdoor activities, higher home values, and enhanced beauty. This program further advances residential forestry and conservation goals of all partnered organizations involved. Join us for a tree-mendous afternoon of giving back to the environment and our community! We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help unload 250 native trees from trucks in the afternoon, setting the stage for tree the distribution event in the evening. During the evening distribution event, volunteers will help to load pre-ordered trees into vehicles at Fort Des Moines Park. Volunteers may choose a volunteer shift to help unload trees from delivery trucks in the afternoon and/or join in the evening to help load trees into individual vehicles as residents arrive to pick up pre-ordered trees. By lending a hand you're planting the seeds of a greener, healthier future for our community. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your work gloves, and together we'll help make our community a little greener, one tree at a time. If you are interested in purchasing a tree through this Iowa DNR program, please visit this website for more information: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/Urban-Forestry/Residential-Tree-Programs Location: Fort Des Moines Park Shelter #1
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Join staff on select evenings this fall as we gather native prairie seed ready to harvest at Chichaqua. Seed harvesting is both a relaxing and rewarding volunteer experience that directly benefits Iowa’s critically endangered tallgrass prairie ecosystem. It provides participants with an introduction to the beauty of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem as well as its historical and ecological importance, and is a valuable way to contribute to land restoration efforts across Polk County. Upcoming Dates Fall Equinox Celebration: Friday, September 20 @ 6 – 8:30 PM | Volunteer check-in @ 5:45 PM Join us for a bonfire following the evening seed harvest as we say goodbye to summer and usher in the fall season. *Free overnight group tent camping provided for all registered participants. Meet at the Youth Camp Area located at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt | 8700 NE 126th Avenue, Maxwell, Iowa 50161 Indigenous Peoples Day: Monday, October 14 @ 5:30 -7:30 PM | Volunteer check-in @ 5:15 PM This seed harvest event will be held in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, where we’ll honor the land, its people, and the traditions that have sustained prairies for generations by collecting seeds to help restore this endangered ecosystem. Meet at the Natural Resources Headquarters located at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt | 11204 NE 118th Ave, Maxwell, Iowa 50161
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Join us for a hands-on "Trails 101" training event at Easter Lake Park, where you'll gain the essential knowledge and skills required for sustainable trail construction and maintenance. Led by Polk County Conservation staff, this event is tailored to those volunteers eager to make a lasting impact on our trails at future trail building events. This training will begin with classroom instruction on the foundational concepts of sustainable trail design followed by practical trail-building activities. Volunteers will learn the basics of sustainable trail design and construction methods while developing an eye for evaluating trail conditions and identifying potential issues before putting learned effective trail maintenance skills to work. Your efforts will directly enhance the sustainability, accessibility, and enjoyment of our trail system. Beyond learning valuable skills, you'll connect with a community of passionate volunteers dedicated to preserving our natural spaces. Be part of a legacy that not only protects our environment but also brings people together. This training is made possible through the 2021 Polk County Water Land & Legacy Bond, which invested $10 million into trails across Polk County. *Free grab-and-go breakfast provided for all registered participants. Upcoming Dates: Saturday, September 14 @ 8 AM – 12 PM Location: Meet in the Easter Lake Events Center located on the north side of the lake at the Athene North Shore Recreation Area Schedule: 7:30 - 8:00 AM: Volunteer check-in & breakfast 9:00 – 9:45 AM: Classroom instruction 9:45 – 10:15 AM: Break & mobilize to trail building site 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Trail building activities
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Join us for a morning of teamwork, conservation, and community as we continue building a new and improved trail at Easter Lake Park. This is an excellent opportunity for trail enthusiasts to gain entry-level trail construction skills while make a meaningful impact on our local trails. During this event, participants will help to clear existing vegetation and construct newly laid out trail sections. The new layout of this trail system improves the sustainability of the trail system, decreases maintenance, and helps to increase trail accessibility. Equipped with essential tools and guidance from PCC staff, you'll learn the best practices and proper techniques for trail construction. This event will start with a trail construction training follow by trail building activities. This event is designed for beginner to experienced trail building volunteers. This volunteer project has been made possible by passing of the 2021 Polk County Water Land & Legacy Bond, which has provided $10 million towards trails throughout Polk County. Upcoming Dates: September 28th @ 9am to 12pm | Lunch provided for registered participants on Sept. 28th only Thursdays throughout October @ 9am to 12pm Schedule: 8:45am to 9:00am: Volunteer check-in 9:00am to 9:30am: Project introduction/training and Safety Chat 9:30am to 12:00pm: Trail Projects
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Come lend a hand in our native pollinator and rain gardens! Throughout Polk County parks, pollinator and rain gardens utilizing native plants provide biodiversity, wildlife habitat, help to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality, and beautify our parks. Garden volunteers help take care of gardens in a location of their choosing for a few hours each month on a schedule that works for them. Whether you area a beginner or experienced gardener, there is a place for you in our garden volunteer program. All garden volunteers will be provided training and instruction as needed. Garden volunteers are not fully responsible for their garden(s). Throughout the year, staff and public volunteer events focused on gardening help to maintain these garden spaces. Many hands make lighter work! Garden volunteers are expected to: - Meet with volunteer staff for onboarding and training - Volunteer in their designated garden areas a couple hours every two weeks or more if desired - Communicate needs and requests for more training/education if needed - Submit their volunteer hours
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Whether you are seeking an inspiring setting in which to give back to the outdoor community; a senior looking to enjoy retirement; or simply wishing to spend quality time in a beautiful county park, all are invited to share their unique talents and passion for the outdoors and conservation with park visitors entering into their adventure at Jester Park. What Will You Do? Volunteers will be serving an important role at the Jester Park Nature Center welcoming visitors into their outdoor adventure at Jester Park. Volunteer Duties: *Welcome and assist visitors *Direct visitors to the various amenities that Jester Park provides *Provide information regarding events and programs *Check in and out Park Packs *Help set up and clean up for programming and events
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Help beautify our parks and community through litter cleanup! Removal of litter from waterways and beyond has lasting impacts on water quality, animal health, and more. Volunteers can be approved to work independently or with friends and family to remove litter within Polk County parks, trails, and watersheds during. Volunteers that sign up for this role will identify parks or focus areas with PCC volunteer staff for litter removal and will be given supplies including trash bags, trash grabbers, and gloves. This volunteer position is designed to be flexible allowing volunteers to participate on schedules that work for them. Volunteers are required to report volunteer hours dedicated to litter removal within our parks, trails, and watersheds. When possible, volunteers are asked to weigh and report the trash removed. Locations volunteers can participate include any Polk County park or trail. Find a list of our trails here: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/ *Hours should be reported for litter removal completed outside of publicly promoted litter removal events.
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Polk County Conservation
*THESE EVENTS ARE INTENDED FOR STUDENTS OF KEITH SUMMERVILLE'S FALL 2024 RESTORATION ECOLOGY COURSE ONLY. Help restore Iowa’s Woodland habitat by removing harmful invasive species to promote the growth of native trees, grasses, and wildflowers! This opportunity offers a fun and meaningful service-learning experience. Students will sharpen their skills in identifying both native and nonnative plant species, learn effective invasive removal techniques, and learn ways to positively impact Brown's Woods, Iowa's largest urban forest situated along the Raccoon River. Upcoming dates include: Friday, October 11th @ 12:30 - 2:30 PM Friday, October 18th @ 1:45 - 2:45 PM Friday, October 25th @ 1:45 - 2:45 PM Friday, November 1st @ 1:45 - 2:45 PM Friday, November 8th @ 1:45 - 2:45 PM *Students should meet in the gravel overflow parking lot along Brown's Woods Drive just to the west of the main parking lot.
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Are you interested in becoming a water quality monitor volunteer? Across Polk County, volunteers help monitor 70 sites along our local waterways as a part of the Polk County Conservation Water Quality Monitoring Program (PCCWQMP). Each month volunteers monitor sites collecting data on weather, stream conditions, and basic chemical testing (pH, nitrate/nitrite, chloride, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen). WHAT TO EXPECT: TIME COMMITMENT Water quality monitoring occurs the first and/or third weeks of each month of the year. Monitoring takes 15-20 minutes at individual sites during most of the year. In mid-July/early August additional habitat assessments and biological (benthic macroinvertebrate collection) assessments are completed. These assessments typically take 1-2 hours. TRAINING and SUPPLIES All monitors receive free training prior to taking on a monitoring site. Online independent learning modules are available. All supplies, including equipment needed to complete water quality, testing will be provided to each volunteer. Field monitors submit their data through an app. FIELD ENVIRONMENT Monitoring takes places along our local waterways throughout neighborhoods of Polk County. Monitors are asked to monitor in the flow of the stream, although sometimes this is not possible so sampling along bridges is allowed in those cases. If becoming a water quality field monitor sounds like a good fit for you, we encourage you to sign up! After signing up, you will be asked to complete the agreement and the 5 modules of water quality training. Please contact the coordinator if you have questions. Thank you!
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
The Polk County Conservation Bat Monitoring Program is designed to learn which bat houses around the county are being utilized and by what type of colony. Monitoring is done by performing bat house emergence counts which entails counting how many bats exit and reenter bat houses shortly after sunset. Bat house emergent counts can vary in lasting between 25 minutes to 1 hour. Regular intervals of monitoring provides valuable insight regarding distribution, roost preferences, and population estimates bats found across the county. Volunteer Bat Monitor Requirements: - Perform at least 6 emergent counts throughout the monitoring season at your selected park (or roughly 1 per month if beginning monitoring after season has started) - Submit emergent count data online at tinyurl.com/pccbats within 3 days of monitoring - Submit bat monitoring volunteer hours at the end of each month *Volunteer bat monitors are asked to monitor at least 6 times per park and not per bat house location.
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Polk County Conservation
The purpose of the central Iowa bluebird monitoring program is to provide habitat for and protection of bluebirds. Bluebird populations face the threat of habitat loss due to encroachment of urban construction as well as the usurpation of nesting cavities by European Starlings and House Sparrow, both of which were illegally introduced into the United States. Organizations partnering within the bluebird monitoring program address the bluebird habitat issue through bluebird box trails and weekly trail monitoring. Bluebird boxes are designed with openings too small for the European Starlings to enter through and monitors exclude House Sparrows from the boxes throughout the nesting season. The boxes and weekly monitoring efforts help to provide protection from predators and other threats and to benefit other bird species. Volunteer Bluebird Monitor Responsibilities: - Close and prepare their designated boxes between 2/15 and 3/15 each year - Perform weekly nest monitoring checks April 1st through August 31st, or until the last fledgling has left - Submit bluebird hatch record summary data using the designated online form to the wildlife programs volunteer coordinator no later than September 15th. - Submit bluebird monitoring volunteer hours at the end of each month Hatch record summary data should be submitted online at https://forms.gle/TLY2gztkd5K9qfAV9
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Polk County Conservation
Jester Park is home to two purple martin colonies. Purple martins are the largest North American species of swallow. They roost in colonies that can consist of thousands of birds. Colony monitoring used to be a much more common practice, and the species adapted to using manmade structures. Today, purple martins east of the Rocky Mountains tend to utilize artificial homes while those west of the mountain range favor their natural habitat. Colony monitors are tasked with collecting data on the colony's nesting and reproduction success throughout the summer. They are asked to change the nesting material if the interior of the nesting structure has become wet/saturated due to weather and/or when the nestlings are about 10 days old. Depending on the year, purple martin nesting areas may become infiltrated by various bugs/pests/mites. Based on guidance from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Purple Martin Conservation Association, monitors may perform a nest change for pest control. However, save for the nest change when nestlings are 10 days old, monitors are not asked to perform nest changes for bug/pest/mite control. This is in part due to a 3-year study on the benefit of nest changing that revealed no clear, long-term benefit from the practice when they compared nest structures with and without nest changes.
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Polk County Conservation
Each spring and fall, Polk County Conservation (PCC) staff and volunteers keep an eye out for snakes in the landscapes PCC manages. Originally started to monitor the local smooth green snake population within Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Polk County Conservation's snake monitoring program keeps tracks of what species of snakes are being spotted and where in order to better understand where different populations reside and how land management practices may impact snake populations overtime. Volunteer Snake Monitor Requirements: - Follow trails and roadways within Polk County Conservation managed to look for snakes - Document any snakes that you come across by recording the species, quantity, location, time, date, temperature, and cloud cover - Record your snake sighting online at tinyurl.com/pcc-snakes - Record your snake monitoring volunteer hours at the end of each month
How you can help:
Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation is working in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, IA DNR, and the City of Des Moines to collect data for the Urban Wildlife Information Network. A primary goal of the Urban Wildlife Information Network (based out of the Lincoln Park Zoo) is to gather and share data so that partners can quantify differences in the composition of urban wildlife communities both within and among cities. This study 25 utilizes trail camera traps placed along a linear transect to document wildlife sightings within various cities across the United States. Volunteers are assigned folders of images captured by the camera traps and are asked to go through each photo and to tag any animals they can locate within each image. The online photo library utilizes a Google library, and a Google email will be required to participate. This volunteer activity can be done from anywhere with a secure internet connection.
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