About us

The Will Dilg Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America was established in 1924 in Winona, Minnesota, two years after the founding of the national organization. Later named after Will H. Dilg, founder of the IWLA, the Winona Chapter was created by forty sportsmen and conservationists that met at the Winona Arlington Club to hear Dilg outline the goals of the newly formed national organization. The original charter for the Will Dilg Chapter was signed by eighty-three members of the Winona community.

our history

In 1953, twenty women joined together to form the Women’s Chapter called the Wenonah Chapter. On October 28, 1953 the Winona Republican-Herald reported, “It was decided to hold the charter open until the January meeting as there are a number of women who expressed a desire to join, who could not attend the meeting Tuesday evening.” By 1955, the local chapter grew to an astounding 250 members, all active in regional and national conservation efforts.

Wenonah Chapter members, Winona Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America

Prospective members of the Wenonah Chapter. Left to right, Hellen Hammer, Laurine Stephan, Mrs. H.C. Larson, Christina Matzke, and Evelyn Junghans.

Today, the Will Dilg Chapter is active in engaging the Winona community on issues of land use, water resources, soil health, nutrient and contaminant inputs to our waters, fish and wildlife habitat, and the protection and restoration of the Mississippi River. Local chapter-supported community and youth programing includes the Save Our Streams program, the Youth Green Crew, the Prairie Island Adventure Club, and many others.

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Community Programs

Donate to our mission

“To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of the air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; to know the wildlife, woodlands and open spaces; to preservation of this heritage and to mankind's sharing in it, I pledge myself as a member of the Izaak Walton League of America.” -IWLA Pledge

Meet the Team