| Conservation Takes Dedication The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) was founded in 1922 as a national conservation organization of hunters, anglers, and other conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts who work through volunteer, community-based action and education programs to ensure the sustainable use of America's natural resources. The Bush Lake Chapter (formerly the South Minneapolis Chapter) was started in 1931. Our chapter's focus was on fish & wildlife habitat and water quality in the Minnesota River Valley and the area's contributing watersheds. Do you care about our natural world and heritage and the legacy we will leave for future generations? Interested in becoming a member? - 2009 Membership Application Form (pdf) Note: A map to the chapter property is at the bottom of this page Some Sweet Upcoming Events:
Water-Smart Landscaping Classes:
2008's Water Smart Landscaping classes will be held the first Wednesday of every month, starting on April 1st. The first class will be held at the Chapter Lodge from 6-8pm. This class will focus on Lawn Care tips as part of a healthier landscape that is self-sustaining. We promise you will walk away with practical & cost-effective information. Water-Smart Landscaping Class Schedule:
April 1st - Lawn Care & Composting
May 6th - Rainbarrels
June 3rd - Raingardens
July 1st - Low Water Use Landscapes
Aug 5th - Bird & Butterfly Gardens
Sept.2nd - Raingardens
Oct. 1st - Lawn Care & Composting All classes will be at the Chapter Lodge, from 6 to 8pm, the first Wednesdays of the month, unless otherwise noted - keep checking the website for the supporting materials for the classes.
Space is limited for each class, so please RSVP to bushlake@bushlakeikes.org. City of Bloomington 2009 Raingarden Workshops: May 7 (Thursday) - Part A Workshop (6:30-8:30pm) May 21 (Thursday) - Part B Workshop (6:30-8:30pm) Stream Monitoring Teams: In 2008, chapter members and other engaged Bloomington citizens began hands-on Bio-Monitoring of Nine Mile Creek in Bloomington, helping to evaluate our second-favorite stream in Bloomington. Information from the monitoring program was provided to the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, as part of their overall stream monitoring efforts. Bio-monitoring involves the collection, identification and recording of specific water-dwelling bugs. It was fun and interesting for all participants, and a great reason to check out Nine Mile Creek from a perspective that others rarely get to see. In 2009, all chapter members can become involved in further monitoring of Nine Mile Creek. Want to wade into Nine Mile Creek this spring, summer and fall (we'll provide the waders) and help us collect bugs? Lessons learned here also apply to fly-fishing, finding good fishing spots, and finding some beautiful views and features of Nine Mile Creek.
We promise you'll have fun and learn some really neat stuff about the stream that flows through our community. If you're interested in getting involved in stream monitoring, email bushlake@bushlakeikes.org
For more info about us or our programs and involvements, email bushlake@bushlakeikes.org  Questions or Concerns? email us at bushlake@bushlakeikes.org Bush Lake Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America 7515 Izaak Walton Road Bloomington, MN 55438 | 
