Organized in Chicago in 1922 by a group of 54 sportsmen, The Izaak Walton League of America is dedicated to the conservation, protection, maintenance and restoration of America's natural resources... particularly its soil, woods, water, air and wildlife. 

It was only natural that the scope and complexity of these activities would eventually require the formation of a specialized organization... an organization dedicated to conservation goals through conservation education, science, and the acquisition of endangered lands.  Thus The Izaak Walton League of America Endowment was formed.

One of the Endowment's main objectives has been the protection of unique areas for the preservation, use and enjoyment of future generations.  Some of these acquisitions are donated outright to federal and state governments.  The largest part of the Endowment's acquisitions, however, are resold to the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service, at cost or less, to become part of the nation's parks, forests and public recreation areas.

The Endowment is also placing increasing emphasis on youth and conservation education programs, providing funding for youth conferences and educational activities.  Over 31,000 students in Oregon recently participated in the Endowment's Save Our Streams program.

The Endowment provides major funding for the popular television series, "Make Peace with Nature"^[1], which is now being shown throughout the east, the mid-west, and the south.  It is anticipated the series will have nationwide coverage in the future.

As the American public awakens and reacts to current environmental problems-- the energy crisis, threats to our once abundant wildlife, endangered species, and the need for greater protection of our parks and public lands-- the existence and action programs of The Izaak Walton League of America Endowment take on far-reaching importance.

^[1] Click on the TV icon below in order to view the latest edition of "Make Peace with Nature".