Steak At Izaak Walton Conservation Club

Izaak Walton Clubhouse

A beautiful lake on grounds.

Neighbor Tim invited me to join him in a trip to Peoria to the Izaak Walton League Conservation Club. Once a month the members gather for a steak supper. Tim is a past president and Tim's dad, Gary (my new friend from Creve Coeur), is a 5 time president so the Stages' are well represented in this organization. Like many other civic clubs and organizations, membership has fallen in the past decade or so. I think there will be a pendulum swing in the future and people will find a renewed need to be part of a group. This is a family oriented club that actually works for the environment, and that warms this old tree-huggers heart. As a former member of Lake Littlejohn I wholeheartedly support any group that seeks to improve our relationship with nature.

Here is more information on the IWL:

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.

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.

The meal was excellent and the company was fun. It was kind of a throwback to a time when guys could leave the house and enjoy an evening in the company of other men, have a steak and beer and even play cards.

The ride home was one of those "pucker up" rides: most of it was in the dark with my imagination conjuring critters both big and small on the run and a headlight that is poorly aimed. Thanks to Tim's steady leadership and better headlights we made it home in good shape.

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