Izaak Walton League of America Austin Chapter

Mission: "To conserve, maintain, protect and restore the soil, forest, water, and other natural resources of the United States."

The Izaak Walton League was formed in 1922 to save outdoor America for future generations. We are one of the earliest conservation organizations to set an aggressive course to defend wild America by changing public policy. Almost every major, successful conservation program that America has in place today can be traced directly to a League activity or initiative.

Activities we supported in 2011:

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center Summer Camp Scholarships - provided five scholarships totaling $1335 to area students to attend 5 day summer camps at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in SE Minnesota.

Wetbugs Program – sponsored the “Wetbugs” program at the Hormel Nature Center and the Austin School District.   Ike members volunteer with this two day class.  The Wetbugs program educates 300 area seventh graders on stream biology, impact of non-point source pollution and point source pollution.  Austin Ike’s have sponsored this program for the past 15 years.

Schwerin Creek Wildlife Management Area Expansion – Donated $5,000 to purchase 30.8 acres of land to add onto Schwerin Creek WMA.  This is a joint effort with Mower County Pheasants Forever, MN Deer Hunters, and the Wild Turkey Federation. 

Water quality monitoring on the Cedar River and Dobbins Creek – Austin Chapter 10 has been monitoring the Cedar River and Dobbins creek since 2008.  We received a “Save-Our-Streams” award from the National Izaak Walton League for our efforts.  We have 3-5 volunteers conducting stream/river checks throughout the summer. 

Purple Martin Housing Project – Provide and promote purple martin housing in Austin.  We worked with area 4H groups for nest checks and house maintenance.