News & Announcements

CURRENT INSTALLMENT: INSPIRED BY NATURE Polk County Conservation and The Galleries at Jester Park Nature Center are pleased to present,  Inspired by Nature . This art exhibition highlights the work of local photographers from Cameras for Conservancy, a Des Moines-based photography collective. Join us for wine and refreshments, as well as an opportunity to meet the featured a ...

The Jester Park Nature Center’s Locally Grown, Raised, & Created Fall Makers Market is a handcrafted marketplace where you can support local merchants in a beautiful park setting.

Join us on Sunday, November 24, from Noon – 5 p.m. at the nature center to shop for gifts or goods just in time for the holiday season! While there, explore the nature center’s exhibits and if weather allows, relax on the back patio in an Adirondack chair by the fireplace.

Polk County Conservation's Fall Nature News has arrived at the Jester Park Nature Center!  Check out the many public programs and events taking place this September - December in a Polk County Conservation Park or Trail near you.  View Nature News online here. ...

Beginning Wednesday, July 31 - Friday, August 2, the wetland exhibit will be closed for repairs. Other exhibits within the nature center will remain open. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Get out, explore Jester Park, and win! Complete 10 out of 15 activities listed here   and turn in your completed forms to the Jester Park Nature enter during open hours for a prize.  When completing parts of the challenge, post pictures on social media with #JpMiniChallenge. Download and print your Mini Parks Challenge here. Summer Hours Friday preceding Memorial Weekend  ...

Polk County Conservation is seeking proposals for exhibition in the galleries at the Jester Park Nature Center. The Galleries at the Jester Park Nature Center offers the opportunity for local art to be displayed and made available for sale to park visitors. Architectural details of the nature center include exposed timber trusses, floor to ceiling windows, limestone, high ledg ...

Cross-country skis will be unavailable for rent on Saturday, January 26 as they will be in use for our Cross-Country Skiing Basics program. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Snowshoes will still be available for rent at Pingora Outdoors at Jester Park in the Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center. Rental information can be found here. 

Glow Wild 2019 at the Jester Park Nature Center  August 24, 2019 | 4 - 10 PM Hosted by Polk County Conservation and Cumulus Media, this family friendly-event is fun for all ages! Glow Wild is held at the Jester Park Nature Center in Granger, Iowa right outside of the Des Moines metro area. Join us for live music by the Georgia Satellites with local Des Moines band, Suede, ...

Looking for a venue for your next corporate or personal event in a beautiful park setting? Consider the Jester Park Nature Center in Granger, Iowa! The Jester Park Nature Center is an eco-conscience building immersed in prairie and surrounded by woodlands. The nature center offers many different areas of the building for your next event. Rental reservations are now being acce ...

The January - April 2019 Nature News has arrived!  Inside you will find a complete list of our events and programs from environmental education, recreation and wellness, to volunteer opportunities from January - April. If you would like to receive a copy of our Nature News publication 3x a year for FREE, call us at (515) 323-5300 or send an e-mail to: pccb_info@polkcountyiowa ...