Our Commitment to Conservation and Education
At the Izaak Walton League of America, our mission is to conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources—including soil, air, forests, waters, and wildlife. Central to this mission is education, as we believe that fostering environmental awareness and understanding is essential to protecting our natural world. Through public engagement and conservation education, we work to ensure that these resources are preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.
To advance this goal, the Izaak Walton League of America National Conservation Scholarship was established in 2005. This program was created to encourage, support, and honor emerging leaders in conservation—students who will become the next generation of natural resource managers and environmental professionals.
Eligibility
The Izaak Walton League of America National Conservation Scholarship is designed to support undergraduates (rising juniors and seniors) from recognized conservation or environmental-related degree programs. These majors may include, but are not limited to:
- Environmental science/ engineering/ education
- Natural resource management
- Forestry
- Wildlife
- Fisheries
- Parks and recreation
- Range management, and
- Other natural and earth sciences
Each year, the Izaak Walton League awards two $2,500 national scholarships to complement these scholarships offered by League chapters and divisions. The national scholarships help pay for the education of future conservation leaders, supporting college students pursuing degrees in natural resources and related studies. They are made possible and are fully funded through a generous annual grant from Izaak Walton League Endowment.
The annual application process is officially open from January 1 through May 15.
Local Chapter & State Division Scholarships
The National Conservation Scholarship complements the many scholarships offered annually by IWLA local chapters and state divisions. These League scholarships provide college-bound students (high school seniors) not only with financial support, but also with moral support from like-minded conservationists.
Recipients
Recently, the League’s scholarship review committee selected the following students to receive the National Conservation Scholarship:
2025-2026
Nora F. Foreman
Science – Conservation, Biology and Ecology
Montana State University
Alyse A. Walenski
Environmental Engineering and Technology
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Your kit will include a bottle containing 25 nitrate test strips which you can use to test your water source(s) throughout the year. You’ll also receive postcards explaining how to use your nitrate test strips and how to share your Nitrate Watch results on the Clean Water Hub.
Your kit will include four test strips so you can test your waterway throughout the season. You’ll also receive a chart to help you interpret your results and a postcard with instructions for completing a Salt Watch test and reporting your findings.