🌿 Meet Our Board: Cheryl Kunch

A Legacy of Service, Built on Community 🎣

This week, we’re celebrating Cheryl Kunch, our Iowa Division State Director and a cornerstone of the Emerson Hough Chapter in Newton, Iowa! From serving up Thursday night member meals to expanding youth outdoor programs, Cheryl has dedicated years to bringing people together and fostering a love for Iowa's natural spaces.

For Cheryl, being an "Ike" is all about community, connection, and passing conservation values down to the next generation. Here is a look at her incredible story:

🍳 From the Chapter Kitchen to the Boardroom

Cheryl’s journey with the Izaak Walton League began in 1990 alongside her husband, leading to her official membership in 2018 when she stepped up as Chapter Secretary—a role she proudly holds today. Whether she is prepping kitchen meals for Thursday night member nights, organizing adult hayrack rides, or hosting the annual youth Bear Hunt, Cheryl is always working to keep her local chapter vibrant.

🐟 Hooked on the Next Generation

Her true passion lies in youth engagement. Thanks to her partnership with the Jasper County Conservation Club, she helped launch a youth fishing club that has blossomed from 30 to over 80 outdoor-loving kids, ensuring the future of Iowa's conservation tradition is in good hands.

🌽 Representing Iowa Across the State and Nation

On the state level, Cheryl’s leadership has grown from volunteering in the hospitality room to serving as the Iowa Division State Secretary for three years. Today, as a State Director, she loves representing Iowa at National Division meetings and connecting with our community at the State Fair. As retirement approaches, Cheryl looks forward to balancing personal time with her continued, lifelong dedication to the Ikes.

It's dedicated individuals like Cheryl that make our chapters and our Iowa communities so great! We're incredibly grateful for everything you do.

🌱 Help Us Carry on the Legacy!

We want to ensure our incredible outdoor traditions keep growing. If you are a member of the younger generation—or know a young leader looking to make a difference—we would love for you to get involved! Step up, volunteer alongside our seasoned Ikes, and help us pass the torch forward.

👥 Join the conversation, see upcoming events, and find out how you can get plugged in on our Iowa Ikes Facebook Group!

💚 This is the story of an Iowa Ike. And this is the heart of our conservation community.

Meet our board. Meet the people behind the mission. 🌿