Meet Our Board: Mark Pranger

Connecting Conservation and Community Across Iowa

A Lifelong Passion for Iowa's Woods, Waters, and Wildlife

This week, we’re proud to introduce our newly elected Iowa Division Board Member and State Director, Mark Pranger! With a lifetime of outdoor experience and an "all-in" dedication to the Izaak Walton League of America, Mark is on a mission to ensure our chapters work hand-in-hand to protect Iowa’s natural resources.

Here is a look at his incredible story: 

 Growing Up Outdoors

Mark’s connection to the environment started early. Growing up in Clinton, Iowa, he spent his youth completely outdoors—fishing and hunting along the local waters and fields. Those early years on the water and in the woods instilled in him a deep love for land stewardship and outdoor ethics, which ultimately brought him to the Des Moines Chapter of the League, which he officially joined in 2021.

 A Legacy of Local Leadership

True to his nature, when Mark joins a cause, he goes completely all-in. Since becoming a member, he has been a powerhouse of volunteer energy, serving the Des Moines Chapter in several vital leadership roles, including:

  • Director
  • Secretary
  • 1st VP of Membership

In the Spring of 2026, Mark's dedication was recognized on a broader stage when he was elected to the Iowa Division Board as a State Director.

 Hands-On Action for Our Mission

A strong chapter relies on incredible leadership, but it truly thrives because of the hands-on dedication of our volunteer members. Mark doesn't just hold titles—he rolls up his sleeves to make a tangible impact on our community and environment:

  • Educating Future Generations: Mark is deeply involved in teaching Hunter Education Classes, ensuring the next generation practices safe, ethical, and responsible sportsmanship.
  • Bringing People Together: He actively organizes the popular Wild Game Feed and regularly steps up to assist with various chapter events.
  • Citizen Science: As a protector of our local watersheds, Mark collects critical water quality data and posts the results directly to the Clean Water Hub, helping track the health of Iowa's streams. 

 Looking to the Future

As State Director, Mark’s ultimate goal is to bring our community closer together. He is looking forward to meeting members across the state to learn about their programs, share ideas, and see how we can work together to strengthen the Iowa Division.

Thank you, Mark, for being another hands-on force behind our mission!

 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.

Our story is a reminder that conservation is built from the ground up—through protecting our land and waters, celebrating the farmers who steward the soil, and honoring the dedicated volunteers who maintain the places we gather.

Thank you for your continued membership and support of the Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League of America!