Polk County Conservation
Polk County Conservation and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation welcome you to our annual fall harvest event! Under the light of the setting sun and rising Hunter’s moon, staff and volunteers will collect native prairie seed to be used in future plantings as a way to diversify and expand the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Collecting seed from plant species ready to harvest for future habitat restoration sites is an effective way to help protect this unique and important habitat. Following the harvest, we’ll gather around a campfire to enjoy a bonfire and s’mores to celebrate autumn in good company under the waxing moon. Free group tent camping is provided on Saturday evening at Camp Area #3 - register below for both the harvest session(s) you will be attending and camping. A picnic-style meal between afternoon and evening harvest sessions will also be provided for all registered participants. Lawn chairs, blankets, etc. are encouraged. Please ensure that all members of your party are registered for this event in order for each to receive a meal - register below for both the harvest session(s) you will be attending in addition to the free meal. Participants without a VolunteerMatters account, such as young children, may be accounted for by emailing ConservationVolunteers@polkcountyiowa.gov with the number of participants and any dietary restrictions. NEW IN 2025 In addition to our evening Moonlight Seed Harvest, this year we are offering an afternoon harvest session for those who prefer to enjoy a daylight harvest. Upcoming Dates: October 4, 2025 Schedule: 2:00 - 4:00 PM: Afternoon seed harvesting 5:00 - 5:30 PM: Volunteer check-in & picnic at Camp Area #3 5:30 - 7:30 PM: Evening seed harvesting 7:30 - 8:30 PM: Bonfire and s'mores at Camp Area #3
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
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 Julie Perreault | 515-323-5351 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. Dress for the weather. Required - closed-toe footwear. Recommended – long pants, long socks, work gloves, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, etc. for the picnic. A headlamp or flashlight is suggested for those participating in the evening harvest session. 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 which includes 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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