About Us

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, one of the most famous books on 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 260 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. Members set policy through a democratic process that raises local issues to the state and national levels.

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 members in our democratic process, our Conservation Policies guide our work. (PDF format)

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.