Looking Ahead to Summer

It has been a long, cold, snowy winter and we sure are looking forward to the spring and summer seasons! Our environmental education staff has been busy planning ahead for summer camps, youth corps, and eco-bus tours.

Polk County Conservation Youth Corps taking a break from working and enjoying a hike in Central Iowa.

With the addition of Jester Park Nature Center we are able to offer more day camps than we ever have before! Throughout the summer we will be offering 11 different themed camps for kids ages 6-16. Our day camps are half or full days, depending on the age of the child. To see a complete listing of our day camps, click here. Camp registration opens up on March 2 at 8:00am on www.mycountyparks.com.

Canoeing is a camp favorite!

We encourage creativity, even when it comes to customizing your own hiking stick!

Our campers learn many different skills, like fishing! 

We have different opportunity for older teens. The Polk County Conservation Youth Corp pays teenagers (ages 15-18) to work in Polk County parks where they can learn valuable professional and personal skills. Adult leaders encourage teamwork and facilitate environmental restoration projects like trail maintenance and invasive species removal. This is a great role for teens who are curious about the outdoors and are willing to work hard. The application for Crew Member positions is open until March 25. For more information about Youth Corp, visit our website.

Summer 2018 Youth Corps during a pond study in a Polk County Conservation wetland.

Planting native plants and restoring prairie and woodlands are just a few of the many projects Youth Corps accomplishes.

For over 15 years we have offered eco-bus trips around the state of Iowa. We’ve traveled to all corners of the state touring unique parks, historical and cultural sites. Travel in comfort on a motorcoach bus and let us take care of the rest! This year we are offering six eco-bus trips from April through October. For a complete listing of our eco-bus trips, click here. Eco-bus trip registration opens up on March 30 at 8:00am on www.mycountyparks.com.

Bring your friends or make new ones!

We go on so many different trips and discover fun and interesting parts of Iowa! 

Make sure to register early, as spots fill up fast.