National News
Outdoor America - Forever Chemicals
· How PFAS are Poisoning Waterfowl as Well as Humans and
· What We Can Do About It
· PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are contaminating water, wildlife and people, with emerging research showing waterfowl can accumulate these toxic substances and serve as indicators of broader environmental pollution. The article highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations, pollution prevention and public action to reduce PFAS contamination and protect clean water, wildlife and human health.
PFAS Threaten Wildlife, Humans
Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week Wrap-Up!
· Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week (July 26 – August 1, 2026), an initiative launched by the Izaak Walton League of America, focused on raising public attention toward the growing threat of invisible, odorless nitrate contamination in local waterways and drinking water supplies.
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· Driven primarily by agricultural runoff, manure and wastewater, elevated nitrate levels cause severe ecological and public health consequences, including harmful algal blooms, aquatic dead zones and increased risks of birth defects and certain cancers. Throughout the week, the campaign hosted educational webinars featuring water quality experts, distributed free Nitrate Watch testing kits for volunteers to monitor local streams and wells and empowered citizens to advocate for stronger water protection policies in their communities.
Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week
Nitrate Pollution Awareness Week Press:
Iowa Capital Dispatch, July 27, 2026, "Izaak Walton League events promote nitrate pollution awareness, monitoring"
Little Village, July 28, 2026, "Central Iowa Water Works ends all watering restrictions as record-setting nitrate levels dip back down"
2025 - 2026 Annual Salt Watch Report
The Annual Report highlights the continued growth of the Izaak Walton League’s volunteer road salt monitoring program, showcasing thousands of water quality samples collected by citizen scientists to identify salt pollution and support smarter winter road maintenance practices. The report also highlights expanded partnerships, increased public engagement and the use of volunteer data to advance education, advocacy and solutions that protect freshwater ecosystems and drinking water from road salt contamination.
Six Years of Outdoor Adventure Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists
For the sixth year, the Hamilton Chapter's free three-day Conservation Camp introduced 52 youth to hands-on outdoor learning through activities focused on fishing, wildlife, forestry, water quality, survival skills and other conservation topics. Made possible by Izaak Walton League members and a network of community partners and volunteers, the camp gave children opportunities to explore nature, build practical skills and contribute to conservation projects.
· Donate to Support Conservation
Help protect clean air, water and natural resources for future generations. Your tax-deductible gift to the Izaak Walton League of America supports community-based conservation, volunteer science and advocacy efforts that address pollution, climate change and environmental challenges. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable environment for everyone.
2026 National Convention
2026 National Convention Overview
More than 300 members, guests, volunteers and youth gathered in Bloomington, Minnesota, for the Izaak Walton League’s 2026 National Convention to learn, collaborate and advance the League’s conservation mission. Attendees celebrated volunteer achievements, heard from conservation leaders and participated in discussions and decisions that will help shape the League’s future.