2025 Convention Highlights

The Iowa Division’s 2025 Convention, hosted by the Ottumwa Chapter, was a tremendous success filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and shared commitment to conservation. From engaging discussions to memorable moments, the event showcased the passion and dedication of our members and volunteers.

We are grateful to the Ottumwa Chapter for their outstanding hospitality and to all who contributed their time and energy to make this gathering truly special. Enjoy a look back at some of the highlights from April 25–26!

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Iowa Division Board Meeting – April 25, 2025

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Iowa Division Board Meeting – April 25, 2025

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Iowa Division President Dale Braun kicks off the 102nd State Convention. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ottumwa Chapter President Rick Findling Welcomes everyone to the Ottumwa Chapter. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ottumwa SILT farmers: Tiereny Lain & David Farrell, Jr. Photo by: Christine Curry

Ottumwa SILT farmer David Farrell, Jr. Photo by: Christine Curry

Ottumwa SILT farmers Tiereny Lain & David Farrell, Jr. Photo by: Christine Curry

Jay Gorsh – School of the Wild. Photo by: Christine Curry

Neil Mittelberg – Linn County Chapter’s Bees & Prairie

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IWL’s Scott Kovarovics on Conservation. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Iowa Division’s Lobbyist, Dane Schumann shares an update. Photo by: Christine Curry

Iowa Conservation Director Mike Delaney. Photo by: Christine Curry

Iowa Division’s Rick Cerwick. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Iowa Division’s Lobbyist, Dane Schumann shares an update. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Iowa Division President Dale Braun

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Iowa Division President Dale Braun

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Aaron Staker with Scott Kovarovics. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Installation of the 2025 Iowa Division Officers & Board Members with Vicki Arnold. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Installation of the 2025 Iowa Division Officers & Board Members with Vicki Arnold: Jack Johnson, Craig McIntyre, Jan Cramer, Cheryl Kunch, Todd Pierce, Shelley Morgan, Dale Braun, Rick Cerwick, Donny Ingle, Lisa McIntyre, Corky Simmons, Chris Henning, Mike Delaney, Jim Meek, & Aaron Staker. Missing: Craig Enneking. Photo by: Christine Curry

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2025 Iowa Division Officers & Board Members: Jack Johnson, Craig McIntyre, Jan Cramer, Cheryl Kunch, Todd Pierce, Shelley Morgan, Dale Braun, Rick Cerwick, Donny Ingle, Lisa McIntyre, Corky Simmons, Chris Henning, Mike Delaney, Jim Meek, & Aaron Staker. Missing: Craig Enneking. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ottumwa Silt Farmers Tiereny Lain and David Farrell, Jr. explore the campgrounds with Ottumwa Chapter Board Member Heidi Parker.

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Des Moines Chapter President Doug Pooch captures some fresh sunshine from the Ottumwa lake bridge. Photo by: Christine Curry

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IWL’s Long-life contributors/members, Anita & Jay Samuelson. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Long-life Iowa Division contributors/fixtures- Linda & Jim Caligiuri, Charlotte & Jack Johnson, Bill & Vicki Arnold

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James and Andrea Rademacher with the Three Rivers Chapter. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Iowa Division Board Member Chris Henning and Panora Conservation Chapter Board Member Mark Dorhout. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Panora Conservation Chapter board members: Mark Dorhout, Christine Curry, Chris Henning & Mike Delaney

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Ottumwa SILT farmers: Tiereny Lain & David Farrell, Jr. Photo by: Christine Curry

Ottumwa SILT farmer David Farrell, Jr. Photo by: Christine Curry

Ottumwa SILT farmers Tiereny Lain & David Farrell, Jr. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ottumwa Silt Farmers Tiereny Lain and David Farrell, Jr. explore the campgrounds with Ottumwa Chapter Board Member Heidi Parker.

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Des Moines Chapter President Doug Pooch captures some fresh sunshine from the Ottumwa lake bridge. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ottumwa Chapter President Rick Finding and Harold Roberts accepting the Host Chapter Award with Scott Kovarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Iowa Division Board Member Chris Henning and Panora Conservation Chapter Board Member Mark Dorhout. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ottumwa Chapter’s Harold Roberts makes a few comments about the Host Chapter Award. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ottumwa Chapter President Rick Finding accepting the Host Chapter Award. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Mahaska Chapter’s Marion Striegel accepting the Million Dollar Club Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Mahaska Chapter’s Marion and Marge Striegel accepting a Life Time Achievement Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Iowa Division Conservation Director, Mike Delaney with State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott after accepting the Ronald Kuntz Legislator of the Year Award Photo by: Christine Curry

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John Sears accepting the Iowa Division Hall of Fame Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott accepting the Ronald Kuntz Legislator of the Year Award. Photo by: Christine Curry

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State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott accepting the Ronald Kuntz Legislator of the Year Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Jim Meek accepting the Leopold Chapter Conservation Award on behalf of the Dragoon Trail Chapter with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Jasper County Conservation Naturalist Greg Oldsen accepting the Iowa Honor Roll Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Iowa DNR’s Jeff Barnes accepting the Outstanding Fish & Game Officer of the Year Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Jeff Lucas accepting the Ries Tuttle Communication Award on behalf of the Iowaw Agriculture Water Alliance with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Jack Johnson accepting Dan Nemitz the Soil Conservation Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Steve Veysey accepting the Beverly McCrindle “Cleaner Streams Award” with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Mike Delaney accepting Dr. Claire Hruby’s Teacher of the Year Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Mark Dorhout accepting the Iowa Honor Roll Award for Panorama Middle School with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Nichole and Mark Dorhout accepting the Conservation Youth Award for Panorama Middle School with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Nichole and Mark Dorhout accepting the Iowa Honor Roll Award for Panorama Middle School with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Uwe Vangsness accepting Linn County Chapter Rookie of the Year Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Phillip Willamson accepting Ottumwa Chapter Rookie of the Year Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Chris Hickie accepting Ottumwa Chapter Rookie of the Year Award with Scott Korvarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Chris and Kira Norman accepting their Rookie of the Year Award with Scott Kovarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Mark Pranger accepting Charlie Meade’s Des Moines Chapter Rookie of the Year Award, with Scott Kovarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Aaron Staker accepting Dave Washington’s Conservation Award with Scott Kovarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ross Baxter accepting the Iowa Honor Roll Award on behalf of the Iowa Nature Heritage Foundation standing with Scott Kovarovics and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Ross Baxter accepting the Iowa Honor Roll Award on behalf of the Iowa Nature Heritage Foundation. Photo by: Christine Curry

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Maura Kissner receives Iowa Outdoor America’s Future Award, featured with Craig McIntyre. Photo by: Christine Curry

2025 Convention AWARDS

Honoring Our Dedicated Volunteers and Partners

We are truly grateful to work with an incredible group of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to making a positive impact in our communities. The Iowa Division Awards recognize individuals both within our organization and beyond who share a commitment to the mission and values of the Izaak Walton League.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Lisa McIntyre and her brother, Craig McIntyre, for their ongoing dedication and leadership in organizing the awards and ceremony over the years. We are also thankful for the continued support and efforts of our awards committee members, Mike Delaney and Neil Mittelberg.

Their contributions help make this recognition possible and continue to inspire our shared work in conservation and community engagement.

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Maura Kissner receives Iowa Outdoor America’s Future Award, featured with Scott Kovarovics, Craig McIntyre and Dale Braun. Photo by: Christine Curry

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