Izaak Walton League of America, Elgin Chapter The Izaak Walton League, formed in 1922 in Chicago, is one of America's oldest and most respected non-profit conservation organizations.  Today over 50,000 members work together to defend the nation's natural resources.      The Elgin Chapter was founded in 1932 by a group of dedicated volunteers interested in cleaning up the Fox River. From there the chapter grew and other projects were undertaken to clean up Elgin's environment.  Land was purchased by the chapter at the end of Jay Street along Poplar Creek in order to build a lodge to hold meetings and other Chapter functions.  In late 1939 the Izaak Walton Home was built where it stands today.      Some activities of the local chapter are: advocacy for local stewardship of the natural environment; Arbor Day Celebration (April) with distribution of trees; Community Workshops (bird feeding, habitat and nest box workshops - wood ducks and bluebirds); Bird Seed Sale; Protecting Bluff Spring Fen; sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 10; Youth Fest; and civic and community involvement.      The Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.  Contact: Steve Byers at 815/385-9074.  Website: www.iwla.org Back to FREP Member Profiles Index