Polk

It’s about the people.

Serving a diverse Central Iowa community, Polk County is among the nation’s most innovative public institutions. We bring together creative leaders, collaborative organizations and key resources to empower our communities and make life better for all people in Polk County.

5 Points of Progress

Nature Discovery Camp
Conservation Events
Nature Discovery Camp

Discover the wonders of nature and unlock some of nature’s mysteries. How does a snake catch it’s food? Can a lizard really regrow its tail? Whose footprints were left in the mud? Bring your nature detective skills for two days of discovery.

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7/17/2024

Holiday Hours
County Recorder News
Holiday Hours

The Office will be closed on the following days: Labor Day - Sept 2nd | Veterans Day - Nov 11th | Thanksgiving Nov 28th & 29th | Christmas Dec 24th & 25th

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7/17/2024

Veteran Affairs News
Veterans Mobile Food Pantry

August Veterans Mobile Food Pantry

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7/17/2024

Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Owls of Iowa
Conservation Events
Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Owls of Iowa

Looking for an excuse to get out of the house, make some new friends, and learn about the exciting world of nature? Then join us! Program will be completely indoors and audience will be seated the majority of the time.

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7/17/2024

Pilot project launched to provide early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Latino community
Health Department News
Pilot project launched to provide early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Latino community

Through the pilot project, Community Health Workers have been trained to provide educational sessions and early detection screenings at community-based organizations.

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7/16/2024

Volunteer Trail Construction at Easter Lake Park
Conservation Events
Volunteer Trail Construction at Easter Lake Park

Join us for a morning of teamwork, conservation, and community as we continue building a new and improved trail at Easter Lake Park.

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7/18/2024

Polk County Begins Solar Power Installation on Facilities
Board of Supervisors News
Polk County Begins Solar Power Installation on Facilities

Des Moines, IA- On Tuesday, Polk County Supervisors approved funding for the first phase of the installation of solar panels on county-owned buildings.

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7/16/2024

Survival Camp
Conservation Events
Survival Camp

Set your kid’s imagination and adventurous spirit free as they learn about the natural environment and important survival skills. Activities range from plant identification, animal tracking study, and survival skills like fire and shelter building.

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7/18/2024

Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake
Conservation News
Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake

During the summer recreation season, Polk County Conservation staff are regularly monitoring the water in Easter Lake, taking samples weekly for testing. Every week on Thursday or Friday, weekly results will be posted here.

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7/11/2024

Summer Skills at Jester Park
Conservation Events
Summer Skills at Jester Park

Summer is about having fun and playing outside. Join PCC naturalists as they introduce your child to some fun outdoor activities that can be enjoyed the rest of their lives. Sign-up for one or the entire series.

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7/18/2024

Senior Services News
Polk County Senior Sites Menu

July 2024

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7/2/2024

Prairie Stomp Music Series
Conservation Events
Prairie Stomp Music Series

Join us on the back patio of the Jester Park Nature Center for our 2024 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series beginning on June 20. Each month, through August, a local, Iowa band will kick off the evening with live music. Thelma’s will also be selling ice cream on site.

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7/18/2024