Volunteer Project Catalog
Polk County Conservation
Explore with us as we catch and identify those that call our Iowa waters home and learn what insight they provide into water quality. Iowa’s waters are home for thousands of plants and animals that have adapted to live and reproduce in aquatic habitats. Each summer field monitors with Polk County Conservation Water Quality Monitoring Program (PCCWQMP) search 70 sites throughout the county evaluating aquatic populations of benthic macroinvertebrates. Counting and categorizing species by their pollution tolerance gives insight into the health of the aquatic habitat and is a valuable tool when used with the physical and chemical assessment data collected bimonthly.
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Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation provides youth summer camps that are designed to encourage hands-on learning through outdoor explorations, activities, games, crafts, and more. Camps are led by naturalists with the assistance of volunteers, our Summer Camp Sidekicks. This opportunity provides a volunteer with a wonderful way to spend time playing, exploring, learning, and teaching while enjoying the camp experience. The inspiring part of this volunteer opportunity is seeing firsthand the difference made in the communities and youth served by Polk County Conservation. Whether you are a high school student seeking to fulfill Silver Cord hours, a college student seeking a graduation requirement, a teacher looking to give back during summer break, or a retiree seeking to rediscover the joys of summer camp - all are welcome to apply to be a Summer Camp Sidekick! This program is designed for volunteers ages 14 and up. Volunteers will assist naturalists leading camps in a variety of tasks such as helping with activities, games, or crafts in an outdoor setting. We may be hiking, getting dirty at the pond, or catching insects in the prairie. Volunteers need to be comfortable being outside in all weather conditions.*Experience is not required and all training will be provided by Polk County Conservation camp staff. All prospective volunteers are expected to: - Fill out the initial application - Complete an additional questionaire - Complete a virtual program training & orientation 2026 day camps are located at Jester Park
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Polk County Conservation
Experience the comeback of midwestern cranes by participating in this exciting wildlife monitoring event as part of the International Crane Foundation’s Annual Midwest Crane Count. In partnership with the International Crane Foundation, Polk County Conservation is calling all bird lovers, newcomers, and avid hobbyists to assist in our annual Sandhill Crane count. Each year in mid-April, over 1,600 volunteers across the Midwest travel to their local wetlands and favorite birding locations to participate in collecting population data. This annual survey of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes spans over 120 counties in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota. In Polk County, this data provides key insights into the effectiveness of our habitat restoration efforts in our management areas. Driving and walking routes will be available at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt to encourage encounters for all types of accessibilities. Participants will need to be familiar with using GPS to record locations of sightings on their phones or other devices. No prior experience necessary. All ages welcome - ages under 16 with adult supervision. Saturday, April 18th @ 6 - 8:30 AM 6 - 6:15 AM: Volunteer sign-in and introductions | 6:15 - 6:30 AM: Drive to monitoring location | 6:30 - 8:30 AM: Crane count *Meet at the Natural Resources Headquarters (11204 NE 118th Ave, Maxwell, Iowa). Please register by April 11th. If the event is at capacity, contact Volunteer Coordinators to inquire about participation.
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Polk County Conservation
Come lend a hand in our native pollinator and rain gardens! Embrace the season of renewal this spring in PCC native gardens. Gardens utilizing plants that are native to a region provide many benefits for biodiversity, wildlife, water quality, and positively impact our community. Timely spring garden cleanup sets up our rain and pollinator gardens for success during the growing season. During this event, volunteers will receive a mini-lesson on garden spring cleanup. After the lesson, volunteers will get their hands dirty and dig into early season gardening tasks. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these events provide valuable insights for caring for rain gardens and native plantings as both a volunteer in Polk County parks and for your native gardens at home. Upcoming Dates: Friday, April 10th @ 10 AM - 12 PM & 1 PM - 3 PM *Meet at the Easter Lake Beach Event Center
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Polk County Conservation
Join us at Iowa’s largest annual Earth Day event right here in the Des Moines Metro! A collaborative, metro‑wide tradition, Earth Day Trash Bash brings together partner organizations and thousands of volunteers across the Des Moines area to support a cleaner, healthier environment for central Iowa. Polk County Conservation staff will be on-site at Fort Des Moines Park, giving participants the chance to support meaningful habitat restoration in the woodlands and contribute to efforts that enhance local water quality and wildlife habitat. Volunteers can choose between removing invasive species along the shoreline to improve fishing access or joining a park‑wide litter cleanup. April 22nd @ 12 - 3 PM *Lunch will be provided for registered participants from 12 - 1 PM | Volunteer activities from 1 - 3 PM
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Polk County Conservation
Engage with families at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center during our Family Fun Night. This volunteer opportunity includes working with a naturalist to offer a low-cost night of fun for friends and families. Participants will be able to try archery, bouldering, play a variety of family games and puzzles, and make s’mores. Specifically this volunteer will help run our archery range during the event. Previous archery experience is required. Upcoming dates: Friday, March 13 @ 6-8pm Friday, June 26 @ 6-8pm Friday, July 31 @ 6-8pm
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Polk County Conservation
Make a positive impact on our local trails and help restore Iowa’s woodland habitat by removing harmful invasive species to promote the growth of native trees, grasses, and wildflowers! This volunteer opportunity offers a fun and meaningful service-learning experience. Volunteers will sharpen their skills in identifying both native and nonnative plant species, learn effective invasive removal techniques, and learn ways to positively impact Sycamore Trails, a premier trail network located along the west bank of the Des Moines River maintained 100% through volunteerism led by the Central Iowa Trails Association (CITA). Upcoming Dates: Tuesday, April 14th @ 10 AM - 12 PM Thursday, April 16th @ 10 AM - 12 PM & 1 - 3 PM
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Polk County Conservation
Help restore Iowa’s Woodland habitat by removing harmful invasive species to promote the growth of native trees, grasses, and wildflowers! This volunteer opportunity offers a fun and meaningful service-learning experience. Volunteers 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: Saturday, March 21 @ 10 AM - 12 PM Saturday, April 18 @ 10 AM - 12 PM; Lunch provided for all registered participants from 12 - 1 PM on this date.
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Polk County Conservation
Make your mark on 1 of nearly 200,000 miles of trail throughout the U.S. this National Trails Day®! National Trails Day® is an annual event hosted by the American Hiking Society that encourages support of our nation’s public trails. Trails are an important part of urban and rural communities and have a positive impact on our mental and physical health. National Trails Day® is a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service that invites thousands of trail users of all shapes and sizes to our parks to engage in trail advocacy and service. Polk County Conservation invites you, your friends, and family out for a day of volunteerism and celebration in support of our beloved public trails here in Polk County. Volunteers will lend a hand creating a new trail at Fort Des Moines Park before gathering for an afternoon of food, fun, and community. *Free lunch, beverages, yard games, and a chance to win giveaways provided for all registered participants! REGISTRATION REQUIRED. No experience necessary. DATE & TIME Saturday, May 30th @ 9 AM - 1 PM EVENT SCHEDULE 8:30am to 9:00am: Volunteer check-in 9:00am to 9:30am: Project introduction and safety chat 9:30am to 12:00pm: Trail projects 12:00pm to 1:00pm: Complimentary lunch, giveaways, and games WEATHER *When trails are wet, they are susceptible to erosion, ruts, and compaction. As it is easier to prevent rather than repair damage to soils, we will be unable to work on trails if soils are wet and tacky. We will notify everyone by 7 AM on Saturday morning if we are unable to host our event on Saturday due to trail conditions.
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Polk County Conservation
Join us in restoring Iowa’s woodland habitats and supporting the growth of native trees, grasses, and wildflowers! Together with the Blank Park Zoo and Polk County Conservation, volunteers will help remove invasive plant species that threaten the health and diversity of our native woodlands. Invasive plants put significant pressure on our ecosystems, affecting both native plants and wildlife. By removing these species, you’ll help create space for Iowa plants and animals to thrive. As an added benefit, some of the plants removed, like honeysuckle, become a special treat for animals cared for at the Zoo. This hands-on volunteer opportunity offers a fun and meaningful service-learning experience. You will learn how to identify native and invasive plant species, practice effective invasive removal techniques, and discover how your efforts directly support the health of local ecosystems at Fort Des Moines Park. Come lend a hand, learn something new, and be part of restoring the natural beauty of Iowa’s woodlands. Upcoming Dates: May 9 @ 9 - 11 AM Event Check-in & Conservation Information and Activities | 8:30 - 9 AM Invasive Species Removal | 9 - 11 AM
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Polk County Conservation
Be a part of planting hundreds of native trees at Brown's Woods this April as we continue to restore Iowa's largest urban forest! For the past four years, volunteers, alongside support from Drake University and Microsoft, have helped clear more than 100 acres of invasive plants through both hands‑on removal and mechanical equipment. Funding from Microsoft, provided through its collaboration with the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), has strengthened conservation work in Polk County by supporting standards‑based ecological restoration. This partnership and funding have driven critical meaningful progress on the ground, and with invasive species now significantly reduced, the next phase of restoration is ready to begin - bringing native trees back to the landscape. Volunteers will help restore Brown’s Woods by planting tree seedlings in areas where recent work has focused on rebuilding native forest habitat. You will learn about the ecological value of native trees, how to plant them correctly, and how your efforts directly support long‑term restoration goals at Brown's Woods. Upcoming Dates: Tuesday, April 21 @ 1 - 3 PM Tuesday April 21 @ 4 - 7 PM *Volunteers should meet at the gravel overflow parking lot to the west of the main parking lot on Brown's Woods Drive.
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Polk County Conservation
Be a part of efforts to plant 1000 native trees at Eagle's Roost this spring! Volunteers will make a positive impact by planting tree seedlings across 14-acres of Eagle's Roost where recent restoration efforts have focused on bringing back native habitat in the Des Moines River watershed. The Iowa Department of Transportation restored roughly 60-acres into tallgrass prairie, and now we are ready to expand forest habitat by planting valuable native trees. This project is in conjunction with a local energy company doing their part in the effort to protect endangered tricolored bat populations in Iowa. You will learn about the ecological value of native trees, how to plant them correctly, and how your efforts directly support long‑term restoration goals across Polk County. Upcoming Dates: Thursday, April 23 @ 1 - 4 PM Friday, April 24 @ 1 - 4 PM Location: This wildlife and recreation area is a bit off the beaten path and without a formal address. Wayfinding signage will be on site to guide participants to the planting site. Detailed directions will be emailed out to all registered participants the day prior to the event. Use the Carlisle General Mills address to guide you to the first wayfinding sign - 6101 SE 52nd St, Carlisle, IA 50047
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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. **This opportunity is not silver cord eligible.** 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
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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
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!
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Polk County Conservation
Take a hike on a bluebird box trail and perform weekly monitoring of bluebird nesting and hatchings! Bluebird monitoring gives the public an opportunity to observe native birds in local parks while also observing general populations trends. Bluebird wildlife monitors are assigned a route with nest boxes to observe weekly, collect data and maintain throughout the bluebird breeding seasons, April 1 – August 31. Whether you are a beginner or experienced birder, there is a place for you in our wildlife volunteer program. All wildlife monitor volunteers will be provided training and instruction as needed. Bluebird wildlife monitors are expected to: - Meet with volunteer staff for onboarding and training - Walk their designated route and collect data once a week or more if desired - Remove invasive bird nests - Communicate needs and requests for more training/education if needed - Submit their volunteer hours
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Polk County Conservation
Ever wonder what just flitted by you on a trail? The presence and abundance of butterflies’ act as a good indication of habitat health and are also easily recognizable opportunities for the public to get involved with data collection. Butterfly wildlife monitors are assigned a route to observe 6+ times during butterflies’ most active seasons, June 1 – August 8. Monitors will collect and submit this data. Whether you are a beginner or experienced naturalist, there is a place for you in our wildlife volunteer program. All wildlife monitor volunteers will be provided training and instruction as needed. Butterfly wildlife monitors are expected to: - Complete a virtual onboarding and training - Walk their designated route and collect data 6 times or more if desired during designated season - Communicate needs and requests for more training/education if needed - Submit their volunteer hours
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Polk County Conservation
There’s a snake in my prairie! Snake populations give a good indication of habitat health; however, tracking this data can be difficult. Snake wildlife monitors are assigned a route with snake boards to observe weekly, collect data and maintain throughout the snake active seasons, March 20 – October 31. Snake boards are sheets of metal or wood that trap heat and allow reptiles to warm themselves under. Volunteers will lift these boards and collect what species of snake they see. Whether you are a beginner or experienced naturalist, there is a place for you in our wildlife volunteer program. All wildlife monitor volunteers will be provided training and instruction as needed. Snake wildlife monitors are expected to: - Meet with volunteer staff for onboarding and training - Walk their designated route and collect data once a week or more if desired - Communicate needs and requests for more training/education if needed - Submit their volunteer hours
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