IWLA National HQ & MD State Division

One of the earliest conservation organizations in the United States

The Izaak Walton League was formed in 1922 to save outdoor America for future generations. The League’s founders, who were avid anglers, named the organization after Izaak Walton, the 17th century author of The Compleat Angler, a classic book about the art and spirit of fishing. 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.

Community
Our work is guided entirely by grassroots volunteers. Throughout more than 250 communities, our chapters advance the mission of the Izaak Walton League – restoring watersheds, reducing air pollution, fighting litter, protecting wildlife habitat and open spaces, and instilling conservation ethics in outdoor recreationists. 

Common Sense
The environment is everyone’s issue. We believe that America needs smart solutions that are good for the environment and the economy at the same time. Relying on our unique blend of community-based conservation and common-sense advocacy, the League has made significant progress to protect and restore our nation’s waters, promote clean energy, and advance sustainable agriculture.

Mission Statement 
To conserve, maintain, protect, and restore the soil, forest, water, and other natural resources of the United States and other lands; to promote means and opportunities for the education of the public with respect to such resources and their enjoyment and wholesome utilization.

Conservation Policies
Developed by League members in a democratic process, our Conservation Policies guide the League’s work at the local, state, and national levels. These policies reflect our many years of conservation work and the conservation concerns of today.  You can read the full list of Izaak Walton League Conservation Policies (PDF format) online as well as the background on recently-passed resolutions.

Membership
Help protect America’s outdoors – become a League member today! You will help support the important conservation and advocacy work of the League and receive exclusive member benefits, including Outdoor America magazine, electronic newsletters, and advocacy alerts.

Izaak Walton League Member Pledge
To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; to know the beauty and understanding of nature and the value of wildlife, woodlands, and open space; to the preservation of this heritage and to man’s sharing in it. 

I pledge myself as a member of the Izaak Walton League of America.