Jester Park Nature Center

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

10/13/2026

🍂 The Fall Collection is here!
Cozy hoodies, outdoor tees, tumblers, and even toddler sizes — ready for every crisp autumn adventure.
Limited drop. Shop now before it’s gone!

10/08/2026

UPDATE! WE HAVE A FOOD TRUCK! THANKS EVERYONE. VENDOR SPACES ARE FULL.

🚚 FOOD TRUCK WANTED! 🌮🍔

We are looking for ONE MORE food truck to complete our lineup for the upcoming Makers Market on November 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

This community-focused event typically welcomes around 2,000 visitors and offers a warm, inviting space dedicated to celebrating local creativity, connection, and great food.

📍 The Open Spot: Jester Park Lodge
(Pho Wheels and Shoreline Drips Coffee will be serving over at the Nature Center!)

If you operate a local food truck and want to join a fantastic autumn community event, we would love to have you round out our lineup.

📩 How to apply: Send a direct message or email [email protected] to learn more and claim your spot!

10/08/2026

Fall is upon us! Check out these upcoming programs happening at the nature center:

🎃Fall Celebrations
Oct. 10 | 1 - 3 PM | No registration required | Free
Celebrate the diverse traditions in our area during this season – Dia de los Mu***os, Diwali, Halloween, Oktoberfest, and more. During this event, you will learn the history of these celebrations, explore their numerous nature connections, and take part in themed crafts and activities.

🍂Fall Leaf Hike & Crafts
Oct. 17 | 10:30 AM - 12 PM | No registration required | Free
This hands-on workshop is perfect for all ages and skill levels, offering a wonderful opportunity to embrace the season’s vibrant colors while making unique pieces of art from materials we gather from a hike around Jester Park!

Can't make it to a program? Our trails are open 365 days a year! Wander the woods of Jester Park and soak up all that this season has to offer.

10/06/2026

Spooky Critters: Orb Weaver Spider

Many critters get a bad reputation as "scary" or "creepy", but are often just misunderstood, including spiders!

This arachnid, the Orb Weaver Spider, eats their old webs daily to reuse the nutrients and proteins for the next day's construction. They are also completely harmless to humans, so if you see one on your walk in the park, don't be afraid to snap a picture and keep on your way!

Image description: image of an orb weaver spider on a web with a grey background with text above that says "Spooky Critters Orb Weaver Spider".

10/06/2026

There is so much to celebrate this fall, check out our upcoming Fall Celebrations progam!

Learn about fall cultural celebrations at this FREE event!

Celebrate this fall season as we showcase the diverse traditions in our area during this season – Dia de los Mu***os, Diwali, Halloween, Oktoberfest, and more. During this event, you will learn the history of these celebrations, explore their numerous nature connections, and take part in themed crafts and activities.

Two weeks leading up to the program to the day of, drop off a photo of a loved one who has passed away to add to our Nature Center ofrenda (alter). Photos can be retrieved up to one week after the program.

When: October 10, 1-3pm
Where: Jester Park Nature Center
This event is free, open to the public, and welcome to all!

Image description: dark green background with "Fall Celebrations" in yellow text with white text below that reads "celebrate the diverse traditions in our area during this season – Dia de los Mu***os, Diwali, Halloween, Oktoberfest, and more. When: October 10 | 1-3pm Where: Jester Park Nature Center" with an image below of yellow fall leaves on trees with sunlight shining through.

10/02/2026

Kid's Yoga is a new offering here at the nature center, click here to register: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ0MzI5MDY=

Kids can stretch, breathe, and grow, right alongside nature.

Polk County Conservation invites children ages 8–11 to a playful yoga class designed to build strength, balance, coordination, and confidence through fun games, creative sequences, and supportive partner poses. Participants will also learn healthy ways to manage stress and practice kindness, all while spending meaningful time outdoors. Children should bring a yoga mat or clean beach towel.
To ensure a free and comfortable space, parents are asked to remain on-site but are welcome to explore the Nature Center and outdoor areas during the program.

When: October 10 at 10am
Where: Jester Park Nature Center
Registration required by Oct. 9, register at the link in the comments.
Cost: $5 | Ages 8–11

09/29/2026

UPDATE: We are out of seed!

🐦 FREE Bird Seed Giveaway at the Nature Center! 🐦

We were recently gifted a massive donation of 8,400 lbs of wild bird seed mix, and we’re sharing the love with our local community!
20 lb. pre-bagged bird seed is ready for grab-and-go pickup at the front desk while supplies last. (2 bags maximum per household)

What you need to know:
🌾 Because this mix includes millet along with other grains and seeds, it’s a wonderful multi-species attractor:
Attracts: Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Cardinals, Chickadees, and Blue Jays.
Best Feeder Types: Open tray or platform feeders, hopper feeders, or low ground-feeding platforms. (Narrow tube feeders may clog easily with small mixed seeds.)

📍 Where: Nature Center
⏰ When: Available during open hours (while supplies last)
💰 Cost: FREE! (Optional donations to support our ambassador animals are always appreciated!)

Stop by, grab a bag for your backyard feeders, and help us care for local wildlife this season!

We will post when we are out.

09/23/2026

🌲 Last‑Minute Cabin Opening at Jester Park! 🌲
A cozy cabin just became available for this weekend!
✔️ 6‑person occupancy
✔️ $294 for the weekend
✔️ Friday check‑in, Sunday check‑out
Enjoy crisp fall air, quiet trails, and a peaceful escape.
Call 515‑323‑5300 to book your stay!
Spontaneous getaways are the best — grab it while it’s open!

09/22/2026

The first day of fall arrives!
Fall settles gently across the prairies, woodlands, and lakes at Jester. You’ll notice cooler air, softer light, and early hints of color along the trails. Birds begin gathering as migration picks up, and the park feels calm in a new way.
Explore at your pace and find the moments that feel right for you as the season begins.