Polk County Conservation
Join us for a day of citizen science as we monitor over 100 sites across Polk County to collect data and create a "snapshot" of the health of our waterways. Volunteers will work in small teams to collect water samples and measure important parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. The data collected during this event will be used to assess the health of our waterways, identify potential areas of concern, and inform future conservation and management efforts. By participating in this event, you will be making a valuable contribution to our community's efforts to protect and preserve our natural resources while enjoying the great outdoors getting to know more about our local waterways. September 23, 2025 @ 8 am to 1 pm All volunteers will meet at Des Moines Waterworks and will then disperse to water monitoring sites with their team. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by September 10.
What is a Snapshot event? Snapshot events are held twice each year and help to provide a "snapshot" of the health of our waterways each year as part of our larger water quality monitoring program that utilizes staff and volunteers to monitor 70 sites across the county throughout the year. Results, when available, are posted on the water quality page of the Polk County Conservation website, on the EPA's My Waterway webpage, and sent to all those who participate. https://mywaterway.epa.gov/ To learn more about Polk County water quality monitoring please visit: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/water-quality/
For questions about this event please contact Ginny Malcomson Ginny.malcomson@polkcountyiowa.gov | 515-323-5319
This event is appropriate for ages 18+. No experience necessary. - Each event participant will be provided training, supplies, and proper personal protective equipment as needed. What to Bring: It is recommended to dress for the weather. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Please note that some sites may involve walking along the edges of streams which may be muddy or have poison ivy and other plants with thorns or burs. In an effort to promote sustainability at this event, please bring a refillable water bottle.
By registering for this event, I acknowledge I am filling an open position. In the event that I and/or members of my group are unable to attend, I will cancel my registration to allow for others to join this event.
| Position | Dates | Need | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .Team 1 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 1 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 2 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 2 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 3 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 3 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 4 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 1 | Volunteer | |
| .Team 4 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 2 | Volunteer | |
| .Team 5 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 5 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 6 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 6 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 2 | Volunteer | |
| .Team 7 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 7 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 8 Leader (Previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 8 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 3 | Volunteer | |
| .Team 9 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| .Team 9 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 10 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 10 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 11 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 11 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 12 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 12 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 13 Leader (previous experience required) | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 13 Member | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 14 Leader (previous experience required) - Drake University | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 14 Member- Drake University | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 1 | Volunteer | |
| Team 15 Lead (previous experience required) - Green Sanctuary Team | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 0 | Fulfilled | |
| Team 15 Member - Green Sanctuary Team | Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025 | 2 | Volunteer |