We welcome Mr. Zach Dripps from MACOG to the IKES on Wednesday, October 17th. MACOG (Michiana Area Council of Governments) is a regional planning organization that assists local governments in solving interlocal issues. MACOG is working on several exciting plans. These include a regional Trail Branding and Wayfairing Guide Along with the Michiana on the Move 2045 Transportation Plan.

The Regional Trail Branding and Wayfairing, in partnership with Convention and Visitor Bureaus, is to develop a regional overlay that will be used to promote our 800 miles of trails and on road bike routes.

The Michiana on the Move 2045 Transportation Plan envisions how the region plans to grow in the next 25 years and its impacts to our transportation network. It will address projects and improvements needed to address the challenges.

Do not miss this event. See you at the IKES!

Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Program starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: Roast Beef with the trimmings
Cost: $9 adults FREE hot dogs for the kids!
Call in your reservations by Tuesday A.M. Oct. 16th at 272-3660

P.S. Mark your calendar for the annual Feather Party on November 14th!

Join us for the monthly Dine & Learn on Wednesday, Sept 19. This month we welcome Sean Field, a researcher at Notre Dame. Popularly, archaeologists are associated with excavations in distant, exotic locations. However, modern archaeological practice is often far different - today researchers employ a wide array of technologies (from satellites to super-computers) in order to investigate the past. One of the most recent advancements has been the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, to detect archaeological features in the landscape. To demonstrate these methods, I present two case studies on drone usage in archaeological practice; 1) for the detection of unrecorded Ancestral Pueblo sites in Southwestern Colorado, and 2) for the documentation of medieval and historic sites on Irish islands. 

Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Program starts at 7:30 P.M.

Menu: City Chicken with the trimmings 

Cost: $9 for adults and FREE Hot Dogs 12 and under!

Call in your reservations by Tuesday Sept. 18th by 10 A.M. at 272-3660 

Join us for everyone's favorite event of the year. Izaak Walton will be hosting the 33nd Annual Hog Roast! 

This year the local favorite band High Life will providing the musical entertainment for the evening. High Life plays a variety of classic rock and pop . The event will be held outside the clubhouse on Saturday, August 25 and starts at 6:00 pm with the band starting at 7:30. 

There is no entry fee to hang out and listen to the music. Food is an additional $10/plate. Drinks will be available for an extra charge. We will have the usual grilled corn on the cob, sides, and of course slow-cooked hog!

Everyone of all ages is welcome.

We welcome Ms. Jan Hunter, owner of Natural Native Nursery in South Bend, to the IKES on Wednesday, May 16th. Ms. Hunter is also the President of the northern chapter of INPAWS (Indiana Native Plant and Wildlife Society). She will explain in detail the benefits of planting native species, issues and problems with invasive species, and native plantings that encourage native pollinators.

Remember that this our last dinner/program of the spring. Our next event is the annual Hog Roast
featuring the Whistle Pigs on August 18th.

Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. program starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: swiss steak with the trimmings

Cost: $9 adults $6 12 and under
Call in your reservations by Mon. May 14th at 272-3660

We welcome all members old and new along with their guests to the IKES on Wednesday, April 18th. It is our most popular program of the year, the annual tree seedling giveaway in honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day. The IKES have been giving away tree seedlings for over 70 years!

Species this year are: Tulip Poplar, White Oak, Sugar Maple, Sweetgum, Kousa Dogwood, Allegheny Serviceberry and Canaan Fir.

We are delighted to offer seven different species this year. The seedlings become more costly each year, so it is imperative that they find a thriving new “home”. Scope out your yard now and pre-dig your holes so you can give your trees a head start. This is yet another activity that benefits our community and members alike. See you at the IKES!

Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Tree handout starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: Polish chicken dinner with the trimmings
Cost: $9 adults $6 12 and under

Call in your reservations by Mon. April 16th at 272-3660

The St. Joseph County Izaak Walton League is awarding a five hundred dollar ($500.00) scholarship to a senior graduate attending a St. Joseph County high school in the state of Indiana. The deadline for submission is April 30, 2018. Click here to download all the requirements.

Requirements are as follows:
1. To pursue a college degree in the area(s) of environmental management, environmental
engineering, wildlife biology, science or management, agriculture, forestry or associated field.
2. To have a GPA of 2.5 at the time of application.
3. To submit a typed essay with a plan that reflects the goals of the Izaak Walton League Pledge.
4. To forward a short letter from the high school’s guidance counselor, principal or subject teacher as to the worthiness of the candidate.
5. To provide a transcript of high school credits and grades.

Izaak Walton, in partnership with the Friends of the St. Joe River, will be participating in the 23rd annual river cleanup on Saturday, April 7th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We are looking for any and all volunteers! 

CHECK-IN STATIONS: Veterans Memorial Park just west of IUSB & Howard Park

DRESS APPROPRIATELY: Long pants, long sleeves, rugged work shoes, work gloves (waterproof if possible). Trash bags and drinking water will be provided.

TOOLS: Any additional trash-moving tools are welcome, such as pick-up trucks, water-craft and poker sticks.

Every volunteer will receive a community service certificate! REGISTER HERE: http://bit.ly/2FEKS4A

Want more details? Call Mike Hay at (269) 240-8756

We welcome Mr. Richard ‘Drew’ Marcantonio, to the IKES on Wednesday, March 21st. Mr. Marcantonio will present a program rich in facts describing how humans interact with their landscapes.

Human modifications and control of landscapes have lead to many positive and negative consequences for the overall health of our ecosystem. In his talk, Drew will discuss the different ways we see these effects play out in geographic settings and describe some of the best management practices to avoid negative outcomes, with special emphasis given to prescribed burns.

Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Program starts at 7:30 P.M. Menu: corned beef and cabbage with the trimmings.

Cost: $9 adults, $5 for 12 and under

Please call in your reservations by Mon. March 19th at 272-3660. We need an accurate count for the caterer. 

We welcome Leslie Witkowski, naturalist from the St. Joe County Parks, to the IKES on Wednesday, February 21st.

Ms. Witkowski will explain and demonstrate in detail the steps involved in Maple Syrup production including tapping, boiling down the sap in the sugar shack and bottling. Bendix Woods County Park kicks off their “sugaring season” February 17th. This will be an enlightening and educational program for all ages.

Bring a friend and enjoy!
Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Program starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: Pork Loin with the trimmings
Cost: $9 for adults and FREE Hot Dogs 12 and under!
Call in your reservations by Tuesday morning, Feb. 20th by 10 A.M. at 272-3660

View the full newsletter here.

Santa is coming to the IKES on Wednesday, December 20th from 6-8:30 P.M. 

He has gifts for all the good boys and girls along with FREE hot dogs, fries, hot chocolate, cider and cookies for the whole family. Come join the fun! This free event is being held to honor our valued members. Without you, we could not survive as an organization. Please come on out for some great food and presents for the kids or grand-kids!

Reservations are recommended but not required by calling 272-3660. Give us a Jingle and visit Kris Kringle!