Polk County Conservation
Join us for a hands-on day restoring Iowa’s natural solution to current water quality issues - our tallgrass prairie habitat. Once covering nearly the entire state, this critically endangered habitat now survives on 0.01% of its original range. Its loss is a significant factor in the serious environmental issues threatening our lands and waterways today. Alongside staff and fellow volunteers, you’ll collect seed from native plants ready for harvest. These seeds will be planted into the landscape and grow into deep-rooted native plants that naturally filter water, trap excess nutrients (like nitrates) before they reach rivers, and protect against flooding and soil loss. Your efforts directly help Polk County Conservation expand prairie across our parks and conservation areas, reducing contaminants at their source and improving water quality for everyone. You’ll also gain plant identification skills, learn about the connection between prairie and clean water, and be part of a team directly tackling one of Iowa’s biggest environmental challenges. By bringing prairie back, we bring back the land’s natural ability to clean the water. Join us to be part of the solution - for our community, our land, our rivers, and future generations. Upcoming Dates: September 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 30 @ 9 AM - 12 PM & 1 - 3 PM October 3, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 @ 9 AM - 12 PM & 1 - 3 PM Schedule: 8:45 - 9 AM: Volunteer check-in 9 - 9:15 AM: Project introduction and safety chat 9:15 - 9:30 AM: Mobilize to harvest location 9:30 AM - 12 PM: Morning harvest session 12 - 1 PM: Break 12:45 - 1 PM: Volunteer check-in for new afternoon participants 1 - 3 PM: Afternoon harvest session
Collect native prairie seed ready to harvest from select plant species. This seed will be planted in future habitat restoration projects across Polk County.
For questions please contact: conservationvolunteers@polkcountyiowa.gov For day of event questions please contact our volunteer coordinators: 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.
Physical difficulty: Easy. Seed harvesting is an easy and relaxing task but note that you will be walking across uneven terrain in tall grasses and wildflowers. Bending, twisting, kneeling and other similar movements are also required for this activity. 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. Headphones to listen to your favorite music, podcast, book, etc. are welcome for this type of activity. Each event participant will be provided proper personal protective equipment and training as needed.
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. 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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