The Des Moines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America

Join us as Dan Cohen presents “Securing the Promise: Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund”. Tuesday, August 25, 6:45pm at The Des Moines Izaak Walton League, 4343 George Flagg Pkwy (Geo. Flagg & Park), Des Moines 50321. Small group discussion at 5 in the Crum Center. Explore Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund and how it supports conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. From 2006-2010, Cohen represented Iowa’s County Conservation System on the Governor-appointed Sustainable Funding Committee which made recommendations to create a constitutionally-protected Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund and a distribution formula set in Iowa Code. He was involved with the Iowa’s Water and Legacy (IWiLL) campaign to get the initiative through the Iowa Legislature and eventually on the 2010 general election ballot to amend the Iowa Constitution to create the Trust Fund, which succeeded with a super-majority vote of Iowans. For the past 15+ years, Cohen has continued to be part of the effort to get legislators to complete the promise to Iowans by funding the Trust. Cohen is a retired Executive Director for the Buchanan County Conservation Board and now continues his work as an outdoor writer and wildlife photographer. His work can be found on his Nature Communications Substack: https://dwcohen81.substack.com/. Admission to Dan’s talk is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, with doors opening at 5 and dinner at 6 available for purchase.

Join us for the Iowa Outdoor Expo for Kids and Families, presented by the Des Moines Izaak Walton League! Don’t miss out on a FREE fun filled day of Hands-On family adventures! Saturday, September 26 at The Des Moines Izaak Walton League, 4343 George Flagg Pkwy (Intersection of George Flagg & Park) from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with FREE Admission and Parking! Attendees will have the opportunity to try out virtual skeet shooting, cast a line, shoot a bow, try the slingshot range, aim on the BB gun range, experience animal presentations, cheer on the the minnow races, and enjoy crafts for the kids! Plus exhibits from area Conservation organizations! Picnic food available for purchase from Carlisle Scout Troop 133.

Upcoming Events

• September 15, 2026: Matt Helmers, Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at ISU (and more!) on “All Things Nutrient Management and Water Quality”. Small group at 5 in the Crum Center & presentation at 6:45.
• Saturday, September 26, 2026: Join us for the Iowa Outdoor Expo for Kids and Families, presented by the Des Moines Izaak Walton League! Don’t miss out on a FREE fun filled day of Hands-On family adventures! 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with FREE Admission and Parking! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Sign-up on Tuesdays at the ticket Counter, or contact the Office at ikes.dsm@gmail.com.

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

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