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Izaak Walton League – Over a Century of Conservation Leadership
About the Des Moines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America
Founded in 1922, the Des Moines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League is one of the four oldest chapters still active in the nation. We’re part of one of America’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. With a powerful grassroots network of more than 250 local chapters nationwide, the League takes a common-sense approach toward protecting our country’s natural heritage and improving outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans. We invite you to learn about our work and to join us in supporting important conservation initiatives in your community.
Help us protect America’s outdoors. Join Online to Become a Member of the Des Moines Chapter of the League or Renew Your Membership!
Des Moines Chapter House
4343 George Flagg Parkway
Des Moines, Iowa, 50321
(515) 244-3773
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You’ll receive or chapter newsletter with news, stories, and events; Plus chapter updates as they happen!
Meetings are held every Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner is served until 6:30 p.m., with programs starting at 6:45 p.m. There are lots of great programs and delicious meals coming up on Tuesdays at the Chapter House! Check out our Menus and Programs page to find out more!
Tuesday, October 20 meet Iowa Faith & Climate Network’s Associate Director Tim Gossett and learn about their vision of a world where people of diverse faith & spirituality work together towards a healthy, just, & sustainable future for all. 6:45 pm at The Des Moines Izaak Walton League, 4343 George Flagg Pkwy (Flagg & Park), with doors opening at 5 and dinner at 6 available for purchase. Tim will talk about their history, how they mobilize faith for advocacy, and how they build their vision with strategic focus areas. Tim Gossett is a published author and editor of numerous works including a curriculum that helps youth care for creation and practice environmental stewardship. He holds Masters degrees in Religious Education and Religious Communications from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Join historian and author Kevin T. Mason at The Des Moines Izaak Walton League October 27 to hear the story of “Retracing the Dragoon Trail in Iowa”! 4343 George Flagg Pkwy (Flagg & Park), with a small group chat at 5 pm the Crum Center hosted by Mike Delaney, then dinner at 6 followed by his presentation at 6:45. Admission is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Kevin presents a vivid and deeply researched account of Iowa’s evolving landscape, beginning with the 1835 expedition of the First U.S. Dragoons. Drawing from archival records, maps, government surveys, Indigenous histories, and ecological data, Mason explores how Iowa’s prairies and wetlands gave way to farms, towns, and transportation networks. His 371-mile journey walking and retracing the original dragoon route across Iowa blends scholarship with storytelling, captured through video essays, photography, and writing. Kevin T. Mason is an assistant professor of history at the University of Northern Iowa, and is the author of “Inkpaduta in Iowa: Dakota Decline, Dispossession, and Erasure” in The Annals of Iowa, a Mildred Throne & Charles Aldrich Iowa History Award winning article.
Upcoming Events
November 10, 2026: Veteran’s Day Recognition with Color Guard presented by Carlisle Scout Troop 133 prior to our recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. presented by Carlisle Scout Troop 133 prior to our recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. In thanks evening all members who are Veterans are invited to join us for a FREE dinner with Cake at 6.
November 17, 2026: ISU’s Dr. Adam Janke on research on water quality and wildlife conservation here in Iowa, including student projects in that arena. Small group at 5, presentation at 6:45.
December 15, 2026: Des Moines Izaak Walton League Members Christmas Party! Featuring The Big Raffle and White Elephant drawing! Note: Renew your membership by December 15 and receive 5 free raffle tickets!
Officers 2026/2027
President: Doug Pooch
1st VP: Mark Pranger
2nd VP: Bud Hartley
Secretary: David Wright
Treasurer: Richard “Bo” Galloway
Honorary President: Joe Gavin
Directors 2026/2027
Jackie Galloway
M.P. Hall
Charles Meade
Kerry Petersen
Wayne Steinkamp
Conservation Director
Mike Delaney
