Polk County Conservation
Be a part of a collective nationwide effort in our extraordinary corner of the country at Fort Des Moines Park. Join Polk County Conservation staff for a morning of exploring a county park and lending a helping hand in two of Iowa’s major ecosystems: tallgrass prairie and riparian woodlands. In celebration of our public lands, you will participate in native habitat restoration by removing invasive woodland plant species along the park’s pond and collecting native seeds ready to harvest from a restored tallgrass prairie. Clearing invasives improves access for fishing and recreation while also stabilizing the shoreline to reduce erosion and improve water quality for the wildlife that depend on it. Meanwhile, the seed collected from our restored tallgrass prairie will be used in future plantings across Polk County helping us return more land to native habitat that supports clean water, healthy soil, and diverse wildlife. Before we get our hands dirty with restoration work, join us for a guided hike through and learn all about what makes Fort Des Moines Park a special piece of public land. After the morning’s restoration work, you are invited to continue celebrations of our public lands with a shared meal and recreation from 12 - 1 PM. Fishing poles will be available to try your hand at casting a line along the newly opened shoreline, and lunch will be provided for all registered participants. About National Public Lands Day Spearheaded by the National Environmental Education Foundation, National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest volunteer effort for public lands. It celebrates the connection between people and green spaces in their communities, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages outdoor education, recreation, and wellness. Each year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to help restore and preserve public lands of all types and sizes - from iconic national parks and rivers to local urban green spaces and everything in between. Upcoming Dates: September 13, 2025 at Fort Des Moines Park - meet at the picnic tables in the Arboretum Schedule: 8:45 - 9 AM: Hiker check-in at the Arboretum 9 - 9:45 AM: Guided hike 9:45 - 10 AM: Volunteer check-in at the Arboretum 10 - 10:15 AM: Project introduction and safety chat 10:15 AM: Mobilize to volunteer activity sites 10:20 AM - 12 PM: Volunteer activities 12 - 1 PM: Free lunch and fishing provided for registered participants
-Remove invasive species including honeysuckle, buckthorn, Asiatic bittersweet, and others to aid in the reestablishment of native trees, grasses, sedges, and wild flowers. -Promote the growth of native vegetation to improve wildlife habitat, biodiversity, water quality, and overall health of the riparian woodland ecosystem. -Collect seed from native tallgrass prairie plants ready to harvest. -Learn about and find your sense of place at Fort Des Moines Park.
For questions please contact: ConservationVolunteers@polkcountyiowa.gov For day of event questions please contact our volunteer coordinators: Julie Perreault | 515-323-5351 Melissa Dempsey | 515-323-5396 Polk County Conservation strives to host inclusive, accessible events and meetings that enable all individuals to participate. If you anticipate needing a modification due to a disability or have questions about accessibility, please contact us at 515-323-5300 or pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov.
This event is appropriate for ages 3+. No experience necessary. - Ages 12+ will be permitted the use of hand tools - Ages 18+ will be permitted the use of power tools and equipment. - Each event participant will be provided proper personal protective equipment and training as needed. What to Bring: Dress for the weather. Required - closed-toe footwear. Recommended – long pants, long socks, work gloves, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves provided for those without. In an effort to promote sustainability at this event, please bring a reusable water bottle.
This event will proceed in light precipitation but will be canceled in the case of heavy rains or snow, lightning, or thunder. Participants will be notified by email one hour prior to the start of the event if a cancelation occurs. By registering for this event, I acknowledge I am filling an open position with a provided meal. 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.
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