In April 2016, volunteers planted an additional eighteen (18) American Chestnut Trees at the St. Joseph County Chapter IWLA facility in South Bend, Indiana.  The trees planted are part of a project which began at the facility with an initial planting of ten (10) American Chestnut Trees in 2015.  The purpose of this project is to determine whether or not American Chestnut Trees can survive in our park.  It is hoped that information obtained from this project will be useful in efforts to save the American Chestnut Tree.  

The American Chestnut Tree was once an abundant and important tree in eastern North America, until a foreign blight exterminated it from most of its native range several decades ago.  Efforts elsewhere are currently in progress to develop a blight-resistant strain to try to reestablish this magnificent tree.  It is hoped that the IWLA facility in South Bend may be used in the future for propagating the blight-resistant strain, if the current project shows the potential for viability at the facility. 

The location of these trees at the facility are shown on a trail map (see map).  IWLA members are encouraged to check these trees when walking the grounds, and to feel free to water them if they look like they need it, especially during the summer when it is hot and dry (non-chlorinated water only).

After hundreds of hours of hard work, our volunteers have successfully finished a full renovation of the basement and the bathrooms. New floors, pipes, fixtures, sinks, cabinets, insulation and door were all installed over the past three months to better accommodate our members and those who rent the hall for special events.

Special thanks to Ken Kanczuzewski & Bob Fitzpatrick aided by Rich Parker, Kaine Kanczuzewski, Nate Moore and Larry Woltman.

View before and after picture by clicking on the link above!

Happy New Years everyone! 

Izaak Walton is looking for volunteers for a renovation project on the bar area of the lodge. We will be doing a number of improvements:

• Remove ceiling, insulating, and installing new ceiling
• New chandeliers for better lighting
• Replacing paneling along the walls

We will be starting tomorrow, Saturday, January 2nd at 9:00 am and continuing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am for the next 4 weekends. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Start the new years out right by volunteering a bit of your time! 

Please bring gloves and crow bars if you have them! Dust masks will be provided. If you have questions call Ken at (574) 232-9357 Monday through Friday. If it's during the weekend, call the lodge at (574) 272-3660. The answering machine may pick up if we're working but we'll try and call back!

Santa is coming to the IKES on Wednesday, December 16th 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 the 16th 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!

Izaak Walton will be hosting it's 75th Annual Feather Party on Wednesday, November 18th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. 

Tickets are $10.00. Tickets can be used for food and drinks. 

The Feather Party is an annual fundraiser with door prizes, raffles, 50/50s, tipboards and turkey give-away! It's always a great time.

Mail in your tickets! More tickets available at the door.