The Des Moines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America

DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT YOUR DES MOINES IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE

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! Note: Beginning January 2025 we will have only one main menu item on members nights, rather than offering alternatives. This is to save on costs and food waste, and to allow us to again offer desserts. Thank you for your understanding!

A fun day of fishing for the whole family is coming at CarpFEST 2025! Join the Des Moines Izaak Walton League, Des Moines Parks and Recreation, and the Iowa DNR Saturday, May 31 at Gray’s Lake Park in Des Moines! Sponsored by Northern Lights Pizza! The 1st 100 to register will receive a coupon for a FREE PIZZA!  Try your hand at Carp fishing, and you might win a prize! Admission is FREE! Prizes will be awarded for LONGEST Carp, with Buffalo excluded. Gear, bait and instructions are available. Licenses are required for contestants 16 and over. Carp caught may be kept by the fisherman or donated onsite to the wildlife rehabilitation organization S.O.A.R. (Saving Our Avian Resources). All ages are welcome. Enter the park from Fleur at the North West Entrance to the park. Onsite Registration begins at 8:00 am; Fishing begins at 9:00 am and stops at 11:30 (a horn will sound). Awards will be given out after all the fish have been measured. The Izaak Walton League was founded by anglers over 100 years ago. We are dedicated to healthy waters in the United States. There are too many Carp in Gray’s Lake. Removing some will improve the lake and the fishery.

Ryan Crane, Executive Director of Iowa NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will speak at The Des Moines Izaak Walton League Tuesday, June 10 at 6:45pm. When we think about today’s challenges, it can feel daunting. Ryan will talk about the importance of Hope and Community! NAMI Iowa is the largest grassroots support network that elevates the voices of lived experience in the mental health system. There are 14 affiliates across Iowa, and all of them offer evidence-based and empathy-led educational classes, presentations and support groups for people with lived experience with mental health challenges. Ryan holds a Master’s Degree from UNI, and joined NAMI as Executive Director in 2023, after 16 years in the non-profit sector including experience with One Iowa. Admission to the talk is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, with doors opening at 5:30 and a Hot Beef Sandwich dinner at 6 available for purchase.

• June 24, 2025: Seth Adamson of Trees Forever.