Conservation

Conservation Programs

Conservation is at the heart of everything the Izaak Walton League stands for. Since the League's founding in 1922, members have been working to conserve outdoor America — its soil, woods, water, air, and wildlife. The Alexandria Chapter carries on that tradition with active conservation programs on our 211-acre property and in the surrounding community.

Save Our Streams Program

The Alexandria Chapter participates in the Virginia Save Our Streams program, originally established under the Izaak Walton League of America in 1969. This volunteer-driven water quality monitoring program trains community members to assess the health of local waterways using biological and chemical indicators.

Our chapter recruits and trains volunteers to monitor streams on five areas of the chapter property. Volunteers collect macroinvertebrate samples, measure water chemistry parameters, and assess stream habitat quality. The data collected contributes to statewide water quality databases and helps identify pollution sources and ecological trends.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Eric Brown or Catherine Rastovski to learn about upcoming monitoring events and training sessions.

Native Plant Restoration

The chapter actively promotes the use of native plants throughout our property and encourages members to incorporate native species into their own landscapes. Native plants support local pollinators, provide food and habitat for wildlife, reduce erosion, and require less water and maintenance than non-native alternatives.

Resources available through the chapter include:

• Guides for Northern Virginia native plants — species suitable for our region
• Invasive species identification — learn to identify and manage invasive plants
• Native alternatives — recommended native replacements for common invasive ornamentals

Conservation Committee Chair: Catherine Rastovski

Habitat & Wildlife Stewardship

The chapter's conservation efforts extend across our entire 211-acre property and include:

• Habitat improvement projects — creating and maintaining diverse habitats for native wildlife
• Invasive species removal — ongoing efforts to control invasive plants and protect native ecosystems
• Native plant restoration — planting native trees, shrubs, and ground cover to restore natural habitat
• Wildlife habitat improvement — maintaining nesting boxes, managing food plots, and preserving corridors
• Water conservation — protecting our ponds and streams from pollution and sedimentation

Snow as an Ecological Component

Snow plays an important but often overlooked role in our local ecosystem. It provides insulation for soil organisms, plant roots, and overwintering wildlife. Snow cover helps regulate soil temperature, preventing deep freezes that can damage root systems. As it melts, snow serves as a critical water source, slowly releasing moisture into the ground to replenish streams and groundwater reserves.

Water Conservation Resources

The chapter encourages all members and community members to practice responsible water conservation. The Virginia Department of Health offers tips and guidelines for conserving water at home and in the community. Reducing water waste helps protect the streams, ponds, and aquifers that sustain our local wildlife and recreational resources.

Get Involved

Conservation work parties and volunteer opportunities are available year-round. Whether you are interested in stream monitoring, invasive species removal, native plant projects, or habitat management, there is a place for you. Contact the Conservation Committee or attend a general membership meeting to learn more.