MN Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America

Mission

To conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources, including soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife.

Vision

Through the efforts of the League:

• Conservation becomes part of everyday life.
• Everyone enjoys sustainable outdoor recreation
• Healthy lands and waters support thriving fish and wildlife populations

Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League

A National Leader in Conservation, Education, and Community Engagement

Historic Roots, Future Focus

Founded in 1926, just four years after the national Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) was established in 1922, the Minnesota Valley Chapter has a nearly century-long legacy of conservation leadership. From the beginning, our chapter played a pioneering role in participatory science, water quality monitoring, and habitat restoration—efforts that shaped the IWLA’s reputation nationally.

In the 1960s, we relocated to a scenic property in the Minnesota River Valley to more directly engage in local ecosystem conservation. Today, our chapter continues to build on that legacy as a flagship leader in the IWLA’s national revitalization.

Youth-Led Conservation

Our chapter is home to the award-winning Green Crew (www.GreenCrew.club), widely recognized as IWLA’s top youth leadership and conservation program. This innovative initiative combines service learning, real-world science, and civic engagement to empower young conservationists. The Green Crew was recognized by the New York Times in May 2025 as part of their 50-States 50-Fixes series.

Notable youth achievements include:

• A pioneering American Elm restoration study and ongoing reforestation efforts in Dutch Elm Disease-impacted communities.
• Leadership in water science and Leave No Trace ethics, engaging over 1,000 youth each summer.
• Three consecutive winners of the IWLA’s Outdoor America Futures Award, all from our chapter.
• Best Youth Program in the IWLA the last 2 of 3 years

Art and Creative Expression

The Chapter is the home and host of the Kouba Gallery (KoubaGallery.org). The all-volunteer gallery is a vibrant arts space that showcases photography, painting, watercolor, sculpture, and much more—all centered on the human relationship with nature. Each month, we host a public open house featuring new exhibits that highlight both emerging artists and collaborative works with established organizations like Crosstown Camera Club and Artistry. By bridging visual arts and conservation, the gallery deepens community connection to the natural world through creative expression.

The Young IKE Podcast

Our chapter proudly supports and contributes to The Young IKE Podcast (TheYoungIke.org) , a dynamic platform created and led by youth, for youth. The show highlights pressing conservation issues, features interviews with national leaders, and amplifies the voices of young people within the IWLA and beyond. In addition, the chapter hosts quarterly PodClub gatherings, where members come together to listen, reflect, and discuss episodes—exploring challenging environmental topics with a fresh, intergenerational perspective that sparks deeper dialogue and action.

Educational Seminars & Community Workshops

In addition to youth programs, we offer regular educational seminars and hands-on workshops for people of all ages. These programs deepen conservation literacy and empower community members to become effective environmental stewards. Topics range from native plantings and pollinator protection to citizen science and climate resilience.

Events & Public Engagement

Our Chapter House, located on an actively restored property along the Minnesota River, serves as a vibrant community hub that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Each year it hosts hundreds of gatherings—ranging from school programs and educational workshops to public hikes, film screenings, and hands-on volunteer service days. The space is fully equipped with modern technology, making it easy to connect groups virtually or support presentations, workshops, and hybrid events. Just outside the doors, visitors can explore walking and hiking trails that wind through restored natural habitats, offering opportunities for exercise, reflection, and immersion in nature. The grounds are also a haven for bird watching, with frequent sightings of eagles, herons, and songbirds, making the Chapter House not only a center for conservation action but also a destination for outdoor discovery and inspiration.

Nationally Recognized Leadership

The Minnesota Valley Chapter is consistently recognized as one of the most dynamic and effective chapters in the country. Recent honors include:

• Best Youth Program and Best Conservation Program (2 of the last 3 years)
• Top Membership Development & Retention Program (2024)
• Three-time Outdoor America Futures Award winners
• Executive Director of Youth Programming named National Top Volunteer (2023)
• Board President inducted into the IWLA Hall of Fame

Looking Ahead: 2026 National Convention Hosts

In July 2026, we will proudly host the IWLA’s National Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota—coinciding with the chapter's 100th anniversary. This gathering will showcase our region’s conservation successes and spotlight our chapter’s national leadership in shaping the IWLA’s future.

Join the Movement

The Minnesota Valley Chapter is more than a conservation organization—we're a movement. With deep roots, bold youth leadership, and a thriving community presence, we are leading the way in reimagining conservation for the next century.