Jester Park Nature Center

11/11/2026

As a reminder, the Jester Park Nature Center and Outdoor Recreation & Wellness buildings are closed tomorrow for Veterans' Day. Thank you for your service, Veterans! 💙 ❤️

11/10/2026

🏒🌳 Conservation meets hockey!
We're teaming up with the Iowa Wild for a special fundraising event benefiting conservation efforts across Polk County. Don't miss this unique opportunity to support the parks, natural areas, and outdoor experiences that make our community special.
🎟 Get your tickets now!
https://www.gofevo.com/event/IowaWildConservation
📅 December 5 | 6 PM
📍 Casey's Center

11/04/2026

🚨 TODAY IS THE DEADLINE | Call to Artists! 🎨

Attention artists! Today, November 4, is the final day to submit your exhibition proposals for The Galleries at the Jester Park Nature Center.

We are seeking submissions from established and emerging artists currently residing in Iowa—individual and group proposals are both welcome!

Exhibition Dates: January 6 – April 24, 2027

Deadline: TODAY, November 4, 2026 (Late submissions may not be considered)

Don't miss the chance to showcase your work in the heart of Polk County Conservation.

👉 Apply now before midnight:

Please click the link to complete this form.

11/03/2026

🎨 Artists Wanted!
Polk County Conservation is now accepting submissions for the 2027 Rotating Public Art Exhibitions at Jester Park and Easter Lake.
Showcase your pre-existing outdoor-ready artwork in two of Iowa’s most scenic parks and reach over 1.4 million visitors annually!
Deadline: December 5, 2026, at 4:30 PM
Selected artists receive a $2,000 stipend and promotional exposure.

✨ Ready to submit your work or learn more? Visit: https://polkcounty.jotform.com/262944389927880 for full details.
Let your art be part of Iowa’s natural landscape in 2027! 🌿🖼️

11/02/2026

Yearly Water Shut Off Reminder

Over the next few weeks all Polk County Conservation owned parks will be shutting off water to its facilities as temperatures begin to drop further.

10/29/2026

Join us for a fun experience November 7, 10 - 11:30 AM making your own herbal salve and lip balm!

Whether you're preparing your hands and lips for the upcoming cold dry air, learning how to make gifts, DIY projects are a fun and educational experience.

Each participant will get to take home their very own hand-crafted jar of salve, lip balm and the skills and know-how to make your own in the future! Registration is required by November 4th, the class fee is $20/person: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ0MzMwMjA=

10/27/2026

🍁 Peak Leaf Peeping at Jester! 🍂
Fall color is at its peak at Jester Park, and the vibrant views should last through the weekend. Oaks are turning red, hickories are bright yellow, and maples are glowing in red, orange, and yellow. Hazelnut shrubs and aspens are bursting with warm fall hues, while evergreens stay a rich green backdrop.
It’s an extra-long color season this year—get out and enjoy it while it lasts! 🌤️🍂

10/21/2026

Let us take care of your date night plans at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center!

Bring a loved one for a fun night of archery, axe throwing, and bouldering! Instructions, equipment, and light refreshments will be provided.

Oct. 31 | Ages 18+ | $5/person | Registration Required

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Session: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ0MjI0NTA=

10/17/2026

Looking for a fun spooky season activity this month? Check out these two night hikes we have coming up. 🌙✨

Night Hike
October 23 | 6 PM - 7:30 PM | $5/person | Registration required
Discover the magic of the autumn woods after dark! Join us for a guided night hike to explore the changing seasons. We’ll look and listen for nocturnal critters and experience the trails under the stars. Afterward we’ll enjoy s’mores around a campfire. Registration required by Oct. 21st: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ0Mjc2Mjk=

Women & Girls Outdoors - Night Hike
October 26 | 6 PM - 7:30 PM | $5/person | Registration required
Calling all women and girls who are excited about being outside! Join a naturalist on a night hike around Jester Park, then take a break to practice fire starting, and have a snack of s’mores. Registration is required by Oct. 23rd: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ0MzI5ODU=

10/14/2026

📢CALL TO ARTISTS APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 4📢

Polk County Conservation is seeking exhibition proposals for The Galleries at the Jester Park Nature Center. Established and emerging artists currently residing in Iowa are invited to apply individually or as a group.

Exhibition Dates: January 6 – April 24, 2027

Submission Deadline: November 4, 2026 (Late submissions may not be considered)

Link to apply: https://polkcounty.jotform.com/262855567750873