Conservation, restoration and stewardship.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America is dedicated to the conservation, restoration and responsible stewardship of soil, woods, waters and wildlife, for current and future generations.
The chapter was founded in 1935. In 1949 its members bought a worn-out farm south of Poolesville, with badly depleted soil, and set out to make it a model of conservation.
Today the chapter maintains 624 acres of fields, forest, ponds and trails, with shooting ranges, a campground, a historic log cabin and the Chapter House.
It's run by its members and a volunteer Board of Governors, and welcomes the public, youth and community groups to learn and enjoy the outdoors.
From worn-out farm to model of conservation
In 1949 the chapter bought a 366-acre farm near the Potomac with badly depleted soil and little farm value.
Members planned ponds for water all year, crop rotation, contour and strip planting, cover and food for wildlife, and protected woodlands.
Seventy-five years on, that farm is the 624 acres of fields, forest and ponds members enjoy today.
Getting here
The chapter's grounds are at 20601 Izaak Walton Way in Poolesville, between River Road and West Willard Road.