2021 Fishing Day at Izaak

2021 Fishing Day at Izaak

The 2021 Fishing Day Event is Saturday June 5, 2021 (9 am to 2 pm) and hosted by and at the St. Joseph County Chapter, Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) in South Bend, Indiana. The purpose of the Fishing Day Event is to provide a fun opportunity for people, young and old, to experience the joy of fishing, especially for those that are new to the sport or that have never fished. The 2021 Fishing Day Event is scheduled to coincide with an Indiana “Free Fishing Day” [no fishing license required on that day].

The Fishing Day Event will be at the IWLA ponds, which are stocked with Bass, Bluegills and other species of fish. Some “loaner” poles with reels and bait will be available for those that do not have their own, and it is intended that some fishing tackle items will be given away to children participants (pending available supplies). IWLA volunteers will be available to help rig poles, crimp barbs down on hooks, bait hooks and provide guidance and assistance as needed. The use of barbless hooks is a rule at our ponds, and we encourage catch-and-release.

This will be a free event (no fee will be charged to participate). Membership is not required.

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Earth Day and Tree Giveaway

Earth Day and Tree Giveaway

We will continue planting starting this Thursday April 20th which is Earth day and continue through May 1st the day before the tree giveaway. Anyone who would like to help please contact Tim Kanczuzewski at 574-340-0842 as the help is much appreciated. We will plan on working for an hour or so every day after 5pm during the week and then a big push to plant on May 1st. This coming Saturday and next Saturday we will start at 10am at the main bridge.

On Sunday, May 2nd, from 2-4 P.M. we will be giving away seedlings to our members and the public near the bridge. Species include Redbud, Dogwood, and White Pine. On Saturday, May 24th, from 9-Noon, we will be participating in an Arbor Day, Earth Day event at Pinhook Park. We had over 200 hours of volunteer clearing and planting. Volunteers included Mike Connaughton, Sanders Elliot, Dennis Chapla, Jeff Fleenor, Judy Hawkins, Mike Hay, Kenson Kanczuzewski, Tim Kanczuzewski, John Loughran, Abbey Pruitt, Gail Reschley, Rodney Reschley, Marcus Rifley, Izaak Soprleder, Todd Sporleder, JC Sporleder, Josh Sporleder, Jason Thibaut, Rob Wishin, and Ursala Wishin.

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Latest IKES News

Latest IKES News

Things are getting back to semi normal at the club! Many new members this month, and we welcome you. We are hosting gatherings once again. (In compliance with IN COVID19 regulations). We had the Day Camp kids here earlier this summer for some safe outdoor fun. The Archery league had an 8 week outdoor league. We had quite a few big trees blow down from the recent wind storm, but nothing too bad. We added the Online Membership/Renewal option, which has been very popular, thank you! Great to see you enjoying the park.

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IKE May Newsletter

IKE May Newsletter

What a difference a day makes! We had big plans this Spring on the heels of our successful Valentine’s Day dinner. Top-notch dinner/ programs, our annual tree giveaway, open house, tours of the grounds, river cleanup and a fishing event. By the second week of March, all these plans were stalled due to an unprecedented pandemic that blindsided everyone and caused lock downs, cancellations and quarantines.

In addition to cancelling our Izaak Walton events, we have shut down the lodge for the time being. This includes hall rentals. The hall rentals are our main source of income, which has put us in quite a predicament financially. Our 120 acre nature preserve is one of the most diverse in St. Joe County. We have three stocked fishing ponds, and a world class archery range. Water features abound with Juday creek, the St. Joseph river and many natural springs. Hiking trails and species trees are plentiful. Many of you have met Bob and Judi Binder, our new caretakers, who have been doing an exceptional job.

We look forward to getting back on track in our 96th year, but in the meantime are offering suggestions to help us keep afloat during our time of revenue losses. Here’s how you can help:
• Renew your membership
• Purchase gift memberships for neighbors, family, & friends
• Purchase a gift membership for an essential worker to show your appreciation
• Make a tax deductable donation to our local IKES

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