Happy Holidays from the Iowa Division

To all Iowa Division Ikes—

We are grateful for all of our members and supporters across the Iowa Division. As Dale Braun noted last year, “your chapter participation and volunteer efforts—both statewide and within your local communities—pay dividends and provide vital visibility for the Izaak Walton League’s conservation work”.

As we close out 2025, we are thankful for everyone’s contributions throughout the Izaak Walton League. We especially want to recognize and thank Dale Braun for his many contributions this past year. For those who may have missed our email earlier this month, Dale has stepped down from his leadership role due to recent health complications.

We are profoundly grateful for the many years he has dedicated in service to the Izaak Walton League at the local, state, and national levels. He will remain in our prayers, and we will continue to support the important work he has led.

We’ll be back in the New Year with more updates from the Iowa Division.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, productive Happy New Year!

REFLECTIONS OF GRATITUDE

2025 Conservation Highlights:

Convenings & Events

• State Convention — Ottumwa Chapter, Ottumwa

• National Convention — Green Bay, Wisconsin (Iowa Division Delegation)

• Iowa State Fair

• Iowa Nature Summit

Education, Outreach & Publications

• Published articles by Iowa Division President Dale Braun, Iowa Conservation Director Mike Delaney, and others

• Watershed Talks — virtual program

• Des Moines Chapter speaker programs, coordinated by Communications Director Bud Hartley

• Rick Cerwick, Iowa Division, for his support and efforts in promoting outdoor education activities through the State of Iowa science teachers’ education recertification program and the Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association

• Panora Conservation Chapter SOS programs

• Mark Dorhout’s Panorama Middle School Outdoor Education Program

National Leadership & Support

• National Izaak Walton League Board of Directors and staff for advancing our foundational causes and conservation programs

• Outstanding articles in Outdoor America magazine

• Scott Kovarovics for his service as National Executive Director

Advocacy & Conservation Action

• Iowa Division Lobbyist Dane Schumann

• Iowa Division chapters actively engaged in conservation efforts, including community activities, prairie restoration, honey bee habitat, pond and stream restoration, fishing, and outdoor recreation

Water Protection & Campaign Support

• Linn County Chapter’s generous donation to the Iowa Division’s GoFundMe Water Monitor Campaign

• Jay Gorsh and School of the Wild, along with the Iowa County Chapter, for their generous donation to the GoFundMe Water Monitor Campaign in honor of Dale Braun

• Nishnabotna Water Defenders and the Nitrate Watch billboard campaign

Looking Ahead

• With gratitude to Iowa Division Vice President Lisa McIntyre for stepping into the role of Iowa Division President in 2026

Share Your Stories


We are always looking for additional conservation highlights to share with our Iowa Division chapters. Please keep stories in mind that we can feature at the 2026 State Convention, April 25–26.