Izaak Walton League of BC announces Junior Ikes

Keeping with the weekend theme of the environment, ecology and sustainability, from the Izaak Walton League announces a BROWN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE JUNIOR IKES, A Youth Chapter For Students Ages 8 – 17

Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. For more than 80 years, the Brown County Chapter has been active in the League protecting the natural resources in Brown County.

In an effort to reconnect children with nature, the Brown County Chapter has recently formed a youth program, Junior Ikes, along with a chapter for
college students. The Junior Ikes program works to involve young people in wildlife conservation and the outdoors.

The Junior Ikes is for any children ages 8-17 who are interested in conservation, wildlife, outdoor activities, community service, and of course, having FUN.

The Junior Ikes Program is designed to introduce youth to our natural resource by involving them in fun, educational activities. The program will
emphasize awareness, appreciation and understanding of wildlife and natural resources.

Members will participate in various conservation and outdoor activities throughout the year. The Junior Ikes program will mix active education with active fun. While the first year has been mostly planned by the Chapter, students will be responsible for determining and planning the group activities.

The Junior Ikes will meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Most meetings will occur at Osprey Point but will also take place throughout the area
depending on the activity.

Because the Junior Ikes is a new program, the Brown County Chapter has put together a schedule for 2010 year. The schedule is subject to change depending on the students and their interests.

2 0 1 0 S c h e d u l e

• Jan. 9, 2010 – Build birdhouses and learn about various bird species at Osprey Point
• Feb. 13, 2010 – Snowshoeing / cross-country skiing /winter activities
• March 13, 2010 – Search for fresh whitetail deer sheds
• April 10, 2010 – Plant trees / wildflowers / native plants (weather dependent)
• May 8, 2010 – Nature Photography
• June 12, 2010 – Hiking Trip / birdwatching
• July 10, 2010 – Fishing / Learn to tie flies
• August 14, 2010 – Camping / Wilderness Skills
• Sept. 11, 2010 – Stream Improvement Project Oct. 9, 2010 – Archery
• Nov. 13, 2010 – To be Determined
• Dec. 11, 2010 – Make Nature-Oriented Christmas Gifts

A D D I T I O N A L  E V E N T S  F O R J U N I O R  I K E  M E M B E R S  A N D
T H E I R  F A M I L I E S

T E D D Y  B E A R  H U N T – A p r i l / E a r t h Wee k
The Chapter’s largest community-oriented event is its annual Teddy Bear Hunt which is held as part of the Chapter’s Earth Day celebration. As part of the Teddy Bear Hunt, the Chapter hides teddy bears throughout the trails at Osprey Point so children are able to “hunt” for a special teddy bear while acquainting themselves with the trails and natural resources Osprey Point has to share. Member families purchase a “hunting license” for $10.00, which covers the cost of lunch for the entire family, a teddy bear for each child, and other special
outdoor activities such as fishing, bird watching, geo-caching and nature crafts. The day also includes an educational component wherein families are able
to learn about a conservation related topic or learn a skill they can use in enjoying the outdoors.

F A L L  F E S T – 1 s t  S a t u r d a y  i n  O c t o b e r
During the first Saturday in October, the Chapter sponsors a fall festival which is open to the public. This is another family-oriented event which brings together family members of all ages, including grandparents. It is an afternoon of fun-filled, outdoor activities for the family. The biggest hit is the horse-drawn wagon rides on the nature trails. The children also enjoy the various arts and craft projects, including pumpkin painting and peanut butter bird feeders. There are also other fun activities such as a nature scavenger hunt, fishing and
roasting of hot dogs and marshmallows. The cost per member family is $10.00, which includes the cost of lunch.

F O R  M O R E  I N F O R M A T I O N Visit  www.iwla.org/browncounty,
www.iwla.org/browncounty or contact the President, Jodi Arndt at jla@lcojlaw.com or 920-639-2302.