Polk County Conservation
Join staff on select evenings this fall as we gather native prairie seed ready to harvest in restored tallgrass prairie habitat. Seed harvesting is both a relaxing and rewarding volunteer experience that directly benefits Iowa’s critically endangered tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Alongside staff and fellow volunteers, you’ll collect seed from plants ready for harvest. These seeds will be planted across the county 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 historical and ecological importance of this habitat, and be part of a team directly tackling Iowa’s biggest environmental challenges. Join us and contribute in a meaningful way to land restoration and waterway protection efforts across Polk County. Upcoming Dates *If you are unable to join at the start of either of these event, no problem - a staff member will be at the meeting location throughout the evening to welcome you, get you checked-in, and help you join the harvest in progress. Fall Equinox Celebration: Thursday, September 18 @ 6 – 8:00 PM | Volunteer check-in @ 5:45 PM Bid farewell to summer and celebrate the coming fall equinox while harvesting native seed under the golden light of sunset. Meet at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Longhouse | 8700 NE 126th Avenue, Maxwell 50161 Indigenous Peoples Day: Monday, October 13 @ 5:30 -7:30 PM | Volunteer check-in @ 5:15 PM This event will be held in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, where we’ll honor the land and the generations who have cared for it by collecting seeds to restore the tallgrass prairie to its rightful place in Iowa's landscape. Meet at the Yellow Banks Park Outdoor Interpretive Exhibit at the park entrance | 6801 SE 32nd Avenue, Pleasant Hill 50317
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. 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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