The Izaak Walton League awards two $2,500 national scholarships each year to complement scholarships offered by League chapters and divisions. The national scholarships help educate tomorrow’s conservation leaders by supporting college students pursuing degrees in natural resources and related subjects. These scholarships are made possible and fully funded through a generous annual grant from the Izaak Walton League of America Endowment.

The following students were awarded the League’s National Conservation Scholarship for the 2018-2019 school year.

ANNA JORGENSEN

Environmental Biology Georgetown University

Conservation Philosophy: “The foundation of natural resource management must be based on scientific understanding, and public outreach must accompany conservation efforts. Without promoting and teaching the public about the environment, there can be no effective and sustainable conservation programs because there will be no public interest to support it.”

Critical Conservation Issue: “Northern oceans are experiencing a rate of warming that is twice that in the lower latitudes. The main issue from ocean warming is its effects on fish populations - especially fish species on which societies rely heavily for food, such as tuna, cod, and salmon. A continued increase in ocean temperatures is a threat to food security and economies.”

More About Anna: Anna wants to become a research biologist to help craft future conservation and environmental management policies. “I want my career in science to be one with quantitative and qualitative skills but also active engagement. I want to inspire others by making science exciting, accessible, and understandable.”

LEAH BELL

Wildlife Ecology and Management University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

Conservation Philosophy: “Natural resource management is a vital component to conservation. By studying wildlife populations, forest conditions, and air and water quality, we can better understand how the environment works, how we have impacted it, and how we can change our impacts for the better.”

Critical Conservation Issues: “Water pollution and wetland loss are the most critical issues we face in the next 10 years. Management of water quality and wetland protection begins with educating the public. Best management practices need to be implemented in all types of land use.”

More About Leah: Leah would like to earn a master’s degree and become a wildlife biologist. “I want to narrow the knowledge gap of what people believe the status of the environment and natural resources are, because misconceptions can have a large impact. I also want to continue my involvement with conservation groups like the Izaak Walton League, which are the boots on the ground making a lot of conservation projects possible.”

Know a conservation-minded college student who could use an extra $2,500 for tuition and expenses? The IWLA National Conservation Scholarships help support undergraduates who are focused on a conservation- or environment-related degree, such as forestry, ecology, or natural resource management.

The League offers two $2,500 scholarships for qualified college juniors or seniors. Specific requirements and application forms are available on the League’s website at iwla.org/scholarships. Deadline for submissions: May 15th.

Does your chapter or division offer local scholarships? Please encourage your previous scholarship winners to apply for national scholarships as well.

For more information about the application process, contact Earl Hower at ehower@iwla.org or (800) IKE-LINE x216.