Happy New Year! The Jester Park Nature Center & Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center are closed on January 1, 2020. ...
News & Announcements
Artists in the Making Gallery Opening Reception
Polk County Conservation and The Galleries at Jester Park Nature Center are pleased to present, Artists in the Making . This art exhibition highlights the work of University of Northern Iowa artist, Holly Majerus & North Polk 7th grade. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, January 9, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Galleries at Jester Park Nature Center. FREE to the ...
Bouldering Wall Grand Opening
On November 24, from 1-3 p.m. join us to celebrate the grand opening of Jester Park’s newest recreation feature, the Petra Alward Bouldering Room! Located in the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center. Petra herself will be in attendance at the opening ceremony which begins at 1 p.m. Take part in FREE climbing, archery, demos/presentations, and Dutch oven dessert ...
The Galleries at the Nature Center Presents: Inspired by Nature
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 ...
Fall Makers Market - Locally Grown • Raised • Created
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.
Fall Nature News has Arrived
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. ...
Wetland Exhibit Closed for Repairs July 31 - August 2
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.
Mini Parks Challenge - Jester Park
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 ...
Call to Artists
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 ...
No Cross-Country Ski Rentals on Saturday, January 26
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.
