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The Izaak Walton League:
After a Pagan's Own Heart...
Ask the average person - or average Pagan - who Izaak Walton was, and the reply will probably be a blank stare. In honesty, I didn't know who he was until I consulted the web resources. But the man's legacy goes far beyond who he was, to the Izaak Walton League of America.
Chapters of this organization exist across the U.S. In St. Joseph County, the
Chapter holds property just off Darden Road, west of old U.S. 31 (now State
Road 933). Schools make field trips to the preserve, the SCA holds its annual
"Swine and Roses" festival on the grounds. Members enjoy the benefits of
fishing, archery fields, and monthly dinner meetings. In April, to
commemorate Earth Day and Arbor Day, the League gave away free
seedlings.
The interesting thing about the Izaak Walton League is their pledge. It sounds like something straight from the tenets of Paganism: "To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; to know the beauty and understanding of nature and the value of wildlife, woodlands and open space; to the preservation of this heritage and to man's sharing in it."
Founded in 1922, the IWLA prides itself on its volunteer efforts in community based action and education programs to ensure the sustainable use of America's national resources. On a national level, they have an estimated 50,000 members and supporters. They sponsor programs such as "Save Our Streams", a hands-on program to monitor and protect streams throughout the country.
The League has implemented programs on outdoor ethics for recreationists, energy efficiency and sustainable agricultural practices, among other projects. They publish Outdoor America on a quarterly basis, with their individual chapters or programs publishing newsletters.
It is interesting to research how Izaak Walton the man inspired the founders of the League which bears his name. He lived in 17th Century Britain, the son of an alehouse keeper. He wrote a well known book titled The Compleat Angler, originally published in 1653. Not only a book about fishing, Walton included his personal protest against the civil wars of the period, presenting instead the possibility of a life of peace and simple virtue. He gained a reputation as a conservationist which, two centuries later, lives on in the League.
"Ikes" - as members are sometimes called - see nature as the number one asset, and
the need to preserve it a high priority, much in the same way as many Pagans. They
base their vision on a patriotic bent, for the most part: meetings begin with the
Pledge of Allegiance and the recitation of the IWLA Pledge, with both the American
flag and League flag prominently displayed in the hall. Their activities transcend the
individual faith systems of their members, as they work together toward a common
goal.
Extensive information about the Izaak Walton League's programs, activities and membership is available through the website: www.iwla.org or by calling the local Chapter, normally listed in the telephone directory. Many of their activities are open to the public, and they don't have any problem, for the most part, in letting nature lovers enjoy their grounds for a quiet walk on a warm summer day.
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