Restoring Our Woodlands: Adopt-a-Woodland Grant Progress & Next Steps

We are thrilled to share a major update on our woodland restoration efforts at Bush Lake! Thanks to a $1,410 Adopt-a-Woodland Grant from the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District—and some incredible leadership from within our community—our half-acre woodland restoration project just north of the chapter property is officially 71% complete.

Restoring native habitat takes a village, and this initiative has become a true multi-agency and volunteer effort across our local canopy.

Leadership Spotlight: Fall Owens Inspires Action

Much of our momentum comes thanks to young Ike Fall Owens, whose inspiring advocacy rallied our chapter and partners around this 10+ Acre Project.

Restoration work officially kicked off on October 3rd, when staff from the Three Rivers Park District—including Jamie Markell, Steven Haug, and two seasonal maintenance technicians—joined forces with our team to tackle heavy-duty clearing, removing large buckthorn trunks over six inches in diameter.

Since that launch, our community momentum has surged:

• 22 Chapter Volunteers have logged 74 total hours of hard physical labor on the property.

• Massive Burn Piles have been constructed across the site, prepped for winter burning by TRPD.

• Additional October Work Days (Oct. 13 &14, Oct. 26 & 27) brought us even closer to our initial clearing goals.

With three major work dates behind us, we are well on track to wrap up primary clearing heading into our final winter session.

️ The Big Picture: A Collaborative Corridor

Our half-acre project sits at the north end of the Bush Lake Chapter grounds, serving as a critical piece of a larger regional puzzle:

• East Pond Clearing: A joint effort between the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, Three Rivers Park District, and the City of Bloomington to eradicate buckthorn surrounding the pond.

• Neighboring Lands: Adjacent private landowners actively tackling invasive species on their own properties to prevent re-infestation.

By coordinating across boundaries, we are creating an uninterrupted corridor for native plants, trees, and wildlife to thrive.

Funding Breakdown: Direct Impact

Every dollar of our $1,410 NMCWD grant is going straight into long-term ecological restoration:

Investment	Allocation
$500	Professional contractor services to cut large-diameter buckthorn
$230	Pathfinder II RTU herbicide for targeted stump treatment
$310	MNL Buckthorn Replacement Seed Mix (grasses for 1/4 acre)
$139	MNL Woodland Seed Mix (1,000 sq. ft.)
$230	Native replacement shrubs for understory diversity

Mark Your Calendar: The December Buckthorn Bust

We have one final work day on the schedule to cross the finish line for this phase.

• Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026

• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Bush Lake Chapter Woodland Site (North End)

Work Note: This involves moderate to hard physical labor, as we will be clearing remaining large brush and hauling materials. Please bring sturdy work gloves, dress in layers, and be ready to work up a sweat!

Cick Here to sign up for the Dec. 19 Buckthorn Bust

Looking Ahead: Multi-Year Restoration Roadmap

Clearing the woodlot is only step one. Here is how our management strategy unfolds over the next two years to ensure invasive buckthorn does not return:

Winter 2026–2027

• Debris & Stump Care: Ike volunteers finish cutting brush and treating stumps; TRPD assists with winter pile burns.

• Dormant Seeding: Soil prepped ahead of snowfall to sow the native buckthorn suppression grass mix.

Spring–Fall 2027

• Exclosure Plots: Volunteers construct 5 to 10 protected 10'x10' fenced plots to establish sensitive native shrubs and forbs by hand.

• Mid-Summer Recutting: Hand-cutting secondary sprouts to keep them under 3 feet tall.

• Targeted Foliar Spray: Fall contractor application targeting green buckthorn leaves after native trees dropped foliage.

Spring–Fall 2028

• Plot Maintenance: Ongoing hand-weeding and monitoring of native exclosures.

• Final Foliar Pass & Overseeding: Fall follow-up spray, thatch burn (if feasible), and soil prep for additional native forb seeds and shrub plugs.

Thank you to Fall Owens, our TRPD partners, and every volunteer who has picked up a saw or dragged a branch this autumn. We hope to see you on December 19th!

Ike's Creek and its Connection to Our Chapter

Ike’s Creek is a small, groundwater-fed trout stream located near the Bass Ponds in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in east Bloomington. It is notable for being the only trout stream in Hennepin County and one of the few streams in the Twin Cities metropolitan area that provides suitable habitat for brook trout. Despite its location in a highly developed urban area, Ike’s Creek supports a unique aquatic ecosystem and serves as an important example of habitat conservation and stream restoration.

The surrounding area has an interesting history: In 1926, the the Izaak Walton League established the Bass Ponds as a bass-rearing and stocking facility to replenish lakes in the Twin Cities that had been depleted by fishing. The ponds continued to serve this purpose from the mid-1920s through the 1950s. Today, the site is part of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Ike’s Creek, named for the area's connection to the Izaak Walton League and the involvement of local chapters (like our very own Bush Lake Chapter,) was discovered in 2006, and 1,450 young brook trout were introduced in 2007. Some survived and reproduced naturally. However, the creek has faced challenges, including erosion, stormwater runoff, invasive species, and elevated chloride levels associated with human activities. Restoration efforts have included improving stream habitat, removing barriers to fish movement, controlling invasive species, and restoring vegetation.

A major restoration project was completed in April 2026 through partnerships involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Trout Unlimited, and the City of Bloomington. Ike’s Creek demonstrates how conservation partnerships can restore wildlife habitat in urban areas.

Sources:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — The Journey of Ike’s Creek  
• Lower Minnesota River Watershed District — Ike’s Creek  
• Bass Ponds Site history, City of Bloomington 

Photo credit: Photo credit: Amelia McDermott/usfws

Spores, Rain, and Fairy Villages: Highlights from Our First Annual Mushroom 101!

On September 20, 2026, twelve eager adventurers and community members gathered at the Bush Lake Chapter of the Izaak Walton League for an unforgettable journey into the hidden world of fungi! Our inaugural Mushroom 101 event proved to be an absolute hit, combining education, outdoor exploration, and a shared love for the natural world.

Learning the Basics of the Fungal Kingdom

The day kicked off with an engaging presentation by Erica Tava Johnson, a proud Bush Lake Chapter member and the Education Chair for the Minnesota Mycological Society. Erica captivated the room with:

• The History of the MMS: Exploring how community science has shaped fungal exploration in Minnesota.

• Fungi 101: Unpacking the unique biology of fungi as a distinct kingdom of life.

• Responsible Foraging: Core principles for harvesting safely and ethically without impacting delicate ecosystems.

• Safety First: A crucial deep-dive into toxic species and the vital importance of precise, expert identification.

Key Takeaway: Foraging is a rewarding passion, but safety and environmental stewardship always come first!

️ Into the Woods: The Bush Lake Foray

Though the early autumn weather had been unusually dry, nature delivered right on cue. A generous soaking rain just two days prior set the stage, lifting spirits and bringing the chapter's woodland trails to life.

As our group meandered along the Bush Lake Chapter nature trails, every eye was glued to the forest floor and fallen timber. Despite the dry stretch, the group successfully identified at least 5 distinct mushroom species:

1. Conical Brittlestem (Parasola conopilus) – Lining the trail like a tiny, enchanted fairy village!

2. Violet-toothed Polypore (Trichaptum biforme)

3. Lumpy Bracket (Trametes gibbosa)

4. Field Mushroom (Genus Agaricus)

5. White non-specific Agaricus mushroom (Suborder Agaricineae) (Some mushrooms take more in-depth investigation that involves DNA analysis and other techniques that were not in the purview of this class.)

Stay Connected & Keep Exploring

A huge thank you to Erica Tava Johnson and everyone who came out to make our first annual event such a fantastic success. Whether you're a seasoned forager or just starting to notice the little wonders underfoot, there is always more to discover!

Ready to dive deeper into local mycology? Visit the Minnesota Mycological Society to learn more about upcoming events, identification guides, and membership options.

See you on the trails!

Getting to Know Walz’s Executive Order and What Comes Next:

Written by Bush Lake Ike, Luke Yost

You have probably heard of Walz’s Executive Order (EO 26-10) August 18^th, 2026. 

Save The Boundary Waters explains that this order focuses on “freezing the state environmental review and permitting, cutting off state cooperation, and stopping new state mineral and surface licenses.” It also puts existing leases under scrutiny and directs the DNR to draft this (Executive Order) into legislation that would be taken into consideration in the 2027 legislative season. 

However, what does this mean and what do we do in the meantime? 

The primary focus of the order is on the Rainy River Watershed, which is over 1,800,000 acres in northern Lake and Cook County and the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Obviously, the water in this watershed is precious, and those who’ve had the pleasure of being up in the BWCAW can speak to its pristine quality. 

Advocacy Now

A few things to consider for advocacy in general when it comes to Walz’s executive order.  Federal consideration may still be ongoing for mining proposals in the Boundary Waters, this order only pauses STATE consideration. And with a Republican governor it could overturn (Moen, 2026) (Get out and vote!).

Once again, the legislation will need to be drafted by the DNR and then passed in MN state legislation. Ingrid Lyons at Save the Boundary Waters recommends Izaac Walton League members “contact their Minnesota State representatives and tell them to pass permanent protection legislation at the state capitol next year.” She explained that the Executive Order directed the DNR to Draft permanent protection legislation, and while it was a critical step in the right direction, the legislature needs to act. 

Not surprisingly, this upcoming Midterm election will play a crucial role in preserving this state pause, and getting the messaging out will be important to inform voters. Lyons also urges Ikes to “...talk to candidates running for office. The Boundary Waters is on folks' minds this election season, and candidates across the political divide should be asked about their position on permanent protection for the BWCA.”

With the federal government's current pressure to enable mines like the Twin Metals mine, Lyons also urged “federal advocacy is always important!” Pressure can be applied to the Federal Government through state representatives and senators - keep writing, emailing, and calling those representatives. Your voice matters! 

Not All Mines Are Delayed

For existing leases in the watershed, the compliance will be enforced, and leases will be reviewed as directed by the order and reinforced by the DNR and the law.

Since the consideration for the Tamarack (Talon Metals) mine is in an area that is not in the Rainy River Watershed, the executive order does not apply. Meaning advocacy is still just as important to stop the Talon Metals mine, including the previous public comment period that was held in July 14-Sept. 14, 2026 and future public comment periods regarding the environmental impact statement process that will be announced in the future. Please review this link for more information on where the DNR is at with this process: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/environmentalreview/tamarack-nickel-project.html

We are grateful for Walz actions in creating the executive order, but the fight is not finished. Continue to make your voices heard! We will continue to keep you informed on upcoming public comment periods as they come up. 

What a great morning we had for Fall Migratory Bird Day on October 3rd! We kicked things off at 8:00 AM learning about why birds make their big seasonal journeys and how we can help keep them safe along the way. By 8:30 AM, we hit the trails for two and a half hours of birding across the chapter grounds. It was a pleasant, breezy early autumn morning, and the activity on the property was fantastic.

Together, our group managed to identify an impressive 35 species! A few special moments really stood out:

• Two Ovenbirds! The Ovenbird was high on our wish list for the day. Paul spotted the first one, and to our surprise, we ended up finding a second right in the same area.

• Treetop Activity: We got a great look at a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker mixed in with a high-canopy group of warblers and other woodpeckers.

• A Massive Flyover: We were treated to a spectacle overhead as a flock of roughly 500 gulls—many of them Franklin’s Gulls—swirled in the air to catch insects.

• Signs of the Changing Season: We logged our first American Tree Sparrow and Dark-eyed Juncos of the fall. According to local folklore, those first juncos mean snow is six weeks away!

A big thank you to everyone who came out, helped spot birds, and spent the morning learning about migratory bird safety. It was a wonderful day out on the chapter land together.

Complete Species List (35 total):

Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Franklin's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, American Pipit, American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Ovenbird, Orange-crowned Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal.

On September 19th, 24 members of our Bush Lake Ikes community gathered outside of the lodge despite the drizzling rain and falling acorns, for our Annual Members Meeting. It was a fantastic opportunity to look back at our shared milestones, vote on leadership, and look ahead to an ambitious year.

If you missed it—or just want a quick refresher—here are the top highlights:

Four Big Takeaways from the Meeting

• National Recognition: The chapter's hard work was celebrated on a national scale this past year when Bush Lake received the prestigious 2025 IWLA National Defenders Chapter Achievement Award at the national convention .

• Leadership & Governance: Members voted to approve the board election and slate of officers, returning President Rick Wheeler, Internal VP Esau Underhill, External VP Doug Claycomb, Treasurer Jill Crafton, and Secretary Harmony Kane to their roles, while welcoming Michelle Morrison as a new board member and Newsletter Editor/Social Media Chair.

• Habitat Restoration & Land Stewardship: Through targeted prescribed burns—including the spring East Pond burn—alongside native reseeding and ongoing support from Natural Shore Technology for vegetation maintenance, the chapter continues to make major strides in combatting invasives and promoting pollinator diversity. The Nurture Nature Fundraiser will open up funds to bring in professional restorationists to help us continue to eradicate several other invasive species that we have been battling yearly (European Bellflower, Leafy Spurge, Crown Vetch, and more).

  
  
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• Inspiring Youth & Community Action: The chapter celebrated youthconservationist Fall Owens, whose petition successfully spurred plans for 10 acres of buckthorn removal, capping off an incredible year of habitat restoration, community science, and family outreach! 

• Canoe Race Plot twist: This year’s historic canoe race—which dates all the way back to its founding in 1938 —featured a dark horse victory by last minute entrants Steph McPhail and her husband, Dave! Their names will be proudly engraved on the historic Canoe Race Plaque.

Awards & Special Thanks

We want to give a massive shoutout to our board members, caretakers Tony and Denise Brough, and all the volunteers who made this year—and this event—possible . Special congratulations to our incredible award honorees:

1. Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award- for member with outstanding contributions to the chapter in 2026

   • Nomination by Tony- Denise Brough and Tara Owens

   • A huge part of Denise’s life prior to coming to Bush Lake was a home daycare, which she ran for 33 years. She hosted parties for every celebration in her home, often allowing the kids to stay late in the evening allowing the parents to have a night out. Throughout the years, this is what the kids remembered and looked forward to most, many coming back at older ages.

   • Then comes Tara, Founder of Tod Pod, a non-profit organization providing social play opportunities for families with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children while helping parents and caregivers build community and connection.

   • Together, they created the highly successful “Seasonal Family Events” at the Chapter, which all started with Pumpkin Fest, continued with the Winter Stroll, Ring in Spring, Fun in the Sun, and again with Pumpkin Fest in the evening of October 29th this year.

   • Tara has been instrumental with flyers and a general encouragement of the need. Denise definitely made it spark, with her decorations, snacks, and fun old-school games all incorporating Chapter mission concepts in a playful and fun manner.

   • THANK YOU both and the numerous other volunteers that help to make these highly successful seasonal family events where the entire family of all agers are welcomed.

2. Gordy Bratsch Award - This award is named after our old neighbor, Chapter member and board member, Gordy Bratsch, who was the “unofficial caretaker”- he was committed to keeping Bush Lake clean and the Chapter running smoothly. This award is given to a member that contributes to the chapter and the environment, year after year.

   • Nomination by Rick- Mike Dyste has been a Bush Lake Ike member for over 40 years. He served as secretary and president in his early days. His involvement waned as he raised his family, but now Mike is again working hard on the chapter’s behalf. Mike worked with Caretaker, Tony Brough, to remodel our lodge’s kitchen, as well as taking part in other chapter activities. Mike’s special concern is preserving the history around Bush Lake and especially our chapter which was founded in 1937.

   • Congratulations Mike. Thank you for your rekindled involvement with the Bush Lake Chapter!

3. Public Good Award- Award given to non-profit, city or public staff or elected officials for their outstanding contributions to water quality, conservation, and the environment.

   • Nomination by Paul E.- The Public Good Award this year goes to the City of Bloomington Park Maintenance and Natural Resources Staff- Wade Yunker, Rick Van Anken, Jacob Koopendrayer, Savino Ranallo, Mark Morrison, Dave Hanson.

   • Liz and I moved to Bloomington 16 years ago, when we became thecaretakers here at the Chapter. The City was just starting to dip its toes into ecological restoration- converting parks, open spaces, and unused turf areas to native plants. Since then, especially in the last 5-10 years, the City has greatly accelerated these efforts, and it shows throughout Bloomington. Since we moved to “Extraordinary East Bloomington” a couple of years ago, we have time to get out a bit more, and it seems like everywhere we go, the City is busy restoring land and water and creating wildlife habitat! Central Park, Marsh Lake, Pond Dakota Mission, Tarnhill Park, and Parkers Picnic Area are just a few of the parks where City staff have been improving ecological integrity and getting things done. There’s also a huge power line corridor that runs north and south through East Bloomington- for a long time, this was just acres and acres of mowed turf. Now, for several years, the City has been converting hundreds of these acres there to prairie.

   • We encourage you to visit the City’s Natural Resources website for a full list of projects they have been working on, and some cool videos and other stuff. There you will find a list of over 27 parks and open spaces where this great team has been hard at work implementing ecological restoration. Even better, get out and visit some of these parks, they are amazing and a wonder to behold.

   • For the wildlife, for the water quality, for the people of Bloomington and beyond, the Bush Lake Chapter would like to express deep gratitude to Wade, Rick, Jacob, Savino, Mark, Dave, and the City of Bloomington for their tremendous efforts!

4. Bush Lake Commitment to Conservation Award- Given to an individual or organization inside or outside the Izaak Walton League that has contributed to restoration, habitat, and conservation in Minnesota.

   • Nomination by Paul E. This year, the Commitment to Conservation Award goes to Steph MacPhail. “I’m not sure where or when I first met Steph, maybe she just fell from the sky, like a bird, because she sure has been a huge help to me and the Chapter.” - Paul E.

   • Steph is our ‘professional birder,’ our avian advocate. Her knowledge of and passion for birds is a huge asset to the Chapter and to our community. She plans and leads our bird programs throughout the year, including our Christmas Bird Count, and Fall and Spring Migratory bird days, with the Fall one coming up in a few weeks. Attendees of these events learn from Steph lot of cool things about birds and how we can help them in our homes, yards and businesses. She helps keep our bird houses and wildlife structures in tip top shape. She volunteers many hours in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, and beyond working to help birds and other wildlife, and educating others about conservation. Steph does all of this with a smile on her face and makes it fun and engaging for others.

   • An honorable mention for Steph’s award goes to her family, Dave, Bryce, and Josh, who, of course, assist her and share her passion for birds and nature. This award has been a long time coming, and well deserved- thank you Steph for your dedication and your Commitment to Conservation!

5. Youth Conservation Award- Awarded to youth for their outstanding contributions to the Chapter, conservation, or the environment.

   • Nomination by Tony - Fall Owens has enjoyed spending time at our Chapter since becoming a member with her parents in 2024. In the spring of 2026, she explored the woods north of the Chapter. While she admired the large oak trees and wildlife, she began to notice the dominance of buckthorn and the lack of biodiversity it was causing. When asked if she might be interested in starting a petition to address the issue, she asked, “What is a petition?” That same evening, she researched the concept with her family and wrote an impactful letter, focused on presenting the issue to a local council or board.

   • At age 7, Fall presented her petition with 85 signatures to the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board and prepared a video presentation for the Three Rivers Park District Commissioners. Both presentations were received extremely positively, and her actions helped solidify plans for 10 acres of buckthorn removal around East Bay Pond—a project the Chapter has desired for years. Her efforts prove that actions, even at age 7, can make a significant difference!

   • Fall- Thank you for your passion, your environmental stewardship, and your friendship. Keep up the great work!

Since 2017 we have been giving out awards to our members and others for their outstanding contributions to the Chapter and conservation. Below is a list of the awards, the award winners, and their contributions for 2023-2026. To view the awardees from 2017-2022, Click Here. 

Bush Lake Chapter IWLA Awards 2026

1) Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award- for member with outstanding contributions to the chapter in 2026

Nomination by Tony- Denise Brough and Tara Owens

A huge part of Denise’s life prior to coming to Bush Lake was a home daycare, which she ran for 33 years. She hosted parties for every celebration in her home, often allowing the kids to stay late in the evening allowing the parents to have a night out. Throughout the years, this is what the kids remembered and looked forward to most, many coming back at older ages.

Then comes Tara, Founder of Tod Pod, a non-profit organization providing social play opportunities for families with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children while helping parents and caregivers build community and connection.

Together, they created the highly successful “Seasonal Family Events” at the Chapter, which all started with Pumpkin Fest, continued with the Winter Stroll, Ring in Spring, Fun in the Sun, and again with Pumpkin Fest in the evening of October 29th this year.

Tara has been instrumental with flyers and a general encouragement of the need. Denise definitely made it spark, with her decorations, snacks, and fun old-school games all incorporating Chapter mission concepts in a playful and fun manner.

THANK YOU both and the numerous other volunteers that help to make these highly successful seasonal family events where the entire family of all agers are welcomed.

2) Gordy Bratsch Award- This award is named after our old neighbor, Chapter member and board member, Gordy Bratsch, who was the “unofficial caretaker”- he was committed to keeping Bush Lake clean and the Chapter running smoothly. This award is given to a member that contributes to the chapter and the environment, year after year.

Nomination by Rick- Mike Dyste has been a Bush Lake Ike member for over 40 years. He served as secretary and president in his early days. His involvement waned as he raised his family, but now Mike is again working hard on the chapter’s behalf. Mike worked with Caretaker, Tony Brough, to remodel our lodge’s kitchen, as well as taking part in other chapter activities. Mike’s special concern is preserving the history around Bush Lake and especially our chapter which was founded in 1937.

Congratulations Mike. Thank you for your rekindled involvement with the Bush Lake Chapter!

3) Public Good Award- Award given to non-profit, city or public staff or elected officials for their outstanding contributions to water quality, conservation, and the environment.

Nomination by Paul E.- The Public Good Award this year goes to the City of Bloomington Park Maintenance and Natural Resources Staff- Wade Yunker, Rick Van Anken, Jacob Koopendrayer, Savino Ranallo, Mark Morrison, Dave Hanson.

Liz and I moved to Bloomington 16 years ago, when we became the caretakers here at the Chapter. The City was just starting to dip its toes into ecological restoration- converting parks, open spaces, and unused turf areas to native plants. Since then, especially in the last 5-10 years, the City has greatly accelerated these efforts, and it shows throughout Bloomington. Since we moved to “Extraordinary East Bloomington” a couple of years ago, we have time to get out a bit more, and it seems like everywhere we go, the City is busy restoring land and water and creating wildlife habitat! Central Park, Marsh Lake, Pond Dakota Mission, Tarnhill Park, and Parkers Picnic Area are just a few of the parks where City staff have been improving ecological integrity and getting things done. There’s also a huge power line corridor that runs north and south through East Bloomington- for a long time, this was just acres and acres of mowed turf. Now, for several years, the City has been converting hundreds of these acres there to prairie.

I encourage you to visit the City’s Natural Resources website for a full list of projects they have been working on, and some cool videos and other stuff. There you will find a list of over 27 parks and open spaces where this great team has been hard at work implementing ecological restoration. Even better, get out and visit some of these parks, they are amazing and a wonder to behold.

For the wildlife, for the water quality, for the people of Bloomington and beyond, the Bush Lake Chapter would like to express deep gratitude to Wade, Rick, Jacob, Savino, Mark, Dave, and the City of Bloomington for their tremendous efforts!

4) Bush Lake Commitment to Conservation Award- Given to an individual or organization inside or outside the Izaak Walton League that has contributed to restoration, habitat, and conservation in Minnesota.

Nomination by Paul E. This year, the Commitment to Conservation Award goes to Steph MacPhail. I’m not sure where or when I first met Steph, maybe she just fell from the sky, like a bird, because she sure has been a huge help to me and the Chapter. Steph is our “professional birder,” our avian advocate. Her knowledge of and passion for birds is a huge asset to the Chapter and to our community. She plans and leads our bird programs throughout the year, including our Christmas Bird Count, and Fall and Spring Migratory bird days, with the Fall one coming up in a few weeks. Attendees of these events learn from Steph lot of cool things about birds and how we can help them in our homes, yards and businesses. She helps keep our bird houses and wildlife structures in tip top shape. She volunteers many hours in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, and beyond working to help birds and other wildlife, and educating others about conservation. Steph does all of this with a smile on her face and makes it fun and engaging for others.

An honorable mention for Steph’s award goes to her family, Dave, Bryce, and Josh, who, of course, assist her and share her passion for birds and nature. This award has been a long time coming, and well deserved- thank you Steph for your dedication and your Commitment to Conservation!

5) Youth Conservation Award- Awarded to youth for their outstanding contributions to the Chapter, conservation, or the environment.

Nomination by Tony - Fall Owens has enjoyed spending time at our Chapter since becoming a member with her parents in 2024. In the spring of 2026, she explored the woods north of the Chapter. While she admired the large oak trees and wildlife, she began to notice the dominance of buckthorn and the lack of biodiversity it was causing. When asked if she might be interested in starting a petition to address the issue, she asked, “What is a petition?” That same evening, she researched the concept with her family and wrote an impactful letter, focused on presenting the issue to a local council or board.

At age 7, Fall presented her petition with 85 signatures to the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board and prepared a video presentation for the Three Rivers Park District Commissioners. Both presentations were received extremely positively, and her actions helped solidify plans for 10 acres of buckthorn removal around East Bay Pond—a project the Chapter has desired for years. Her efforts prove that actions, even at age 7, can make a significant difference!

Fall- Thank you for your passion, your environmental stewardship, and your friendship. Keep up the great work!

Bush Lake Chapter IWLA Awards 2025

1) Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award- for member with outstanding contributions to the chapter in 2025

Gregg Thompson, Esau Underhillwood, and Paul Raymaker- Many people helped with the caretaker position transition, but these three did the most. Gregg and Esau spent countless hours fixing, repairing, and improving the cabin for the new caretakers. Paul lead our efforts for finding the new caretakers- posting the position, finding candidates, scheduling interviews, and keeping our caretaker committee on track.

These three helped the former caretakers, Paul and Liz in numerous ways over the years and with their departure as caretakers. They have also assisted Tony and Denise as they figure out the role and get familiar with the Chapter. Kudos to Gregg, Esau, and Paul for their awesome work!

2) Gordy Bratsch Award- This award is named after our old neighbor, Gordy Bratsch, who was the “unofficial caretaker”- he was committed to keeping Bush Lake clean and the Chapter running smoothly. This award is given to a member that contributes to the chapter and the environment, year after year.

Matt Jones is a neighbor of the Chapter, a long-time member, and also serves on our board of directors. Matt can always be counted on for volunteer events and is generous with his time in keeping an eye on the Chapter, especially when the caretakers are away. He’s assisted with lodge rentals, general upkeep and gives us all peace of mind with his vigilance. He also cares deeply about the lake and surrounding park lands and works to keep them great. Thanks Matt for always going the extra mile. (Matt couldn’t be with us today, but we are honored to have his wife Lisa, another great advocate for the Chapter and lake, accept the award in his honor).

3) Public Good Award- Award given to non-profit, city or public staff or elected officials for their outstanding contributions to water quality, conservation, and the environment.

Joshua J. Kerber, M.S., Research Scientist, Indoor Air Unit, Minnesota Department of Health.

Josh was integral in helping the Chapter figure out the complex radon issue in the Caretaker’s cabin. He came to the Chapter numerous times, identifying the issues and then helping to make it safe for the caretakers (and guests and members that use the guest restroom). Josh goes above and beyond in helping people understand radon and how to mitigate it. Josh also helped the Erdmanns with radon at their new home in East Bloomington. We appreciate Josh’s commitment to public service and his efforts to make the air we breathe healthier!

4) Bush Lake Commitment to Conservation Award- Given to an individual or organization inside or outside the organization that has contributed to restoration, habitat, and conservation in Minnesota.

Jon Pletcher is the owner and manager of Wild Birds Unlimited, a wonderful wild bird store in Eden Prairie. He’s also a former member, and we hope with this award we can lure him back! Jon has assisted the Chapter through the years with various bird conservation efforts. He’s provided technical assistance with our bird habitat structures and has also donated bird houses and other related items to the Chapter and to Chapter members as give-aways and prizes. This spring, Jon donated a portion of our new purple martin house (you can see over there), something that was really needed as our old one was old- and in disrepair. Jon also helped Tony put together and install the new martin house, a not easy task.

At his store, Jon helps countless customers make sure they are doing the right thing, the right way, for our avian friends. We thank Jon for his Commitment to Conservation!

5) Youth Conservation Award- Awarded to youth for their outstanding contributions to the Chapter, conservation, or the environment.

Catelin Barnwell is extremely passionate and has a strong sense of affection towards our Chapter and Bush Lake. This is revealing through her actions of coming an hour early before her guests to make sure the grounds look great. Interacting with her, you immediately see enthusiastic engagement on what she loves about this Chapter, and she participates in more than just the minimum volunteer events throughout the years. She even jumped right away into the frigid lake early this Spring to get one aluminum can sitting around 5 ft deep. Catelin definitely has an obsession, in a healthy sense, of kayaking and exploring our favorite lake. Keep up the great work Catelin!

Bush Lake Chapter IWLA Awards 2024

1) Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award- for member with outstanding contributions to the chapter in 2024

Krissy Anderson is a new member and in just a few short months she has become one of our best! At new member orientation, Krissy heard about Paul’s plans for a new turtle raft to be put in the pond, something he has been wanting to do, but hasn’t been able to find the time. Krissy offered to take this on, and with the help from her husband Dave and a couple of other Chapter volunteers, a new turtle/wildlife raft was out on East Bay Pond in short order! Krissy has also helped manage invasive plants at the Chapter, and recently helped clean up after storm damage. Krissy enjoys taking the trail around the Chapter and sharing her nature observations. An honorable mention goes to Dave, Krissy’s husband. Dave also helped with the turtle raft, and Dave and Krissy volunteered at the UMN Starry Trek event in August, where they went out to look for starry stonewort and other Aquatic Invasive Species. Members that are always quick and willing to lend a hand, that what makes for a strong Izaak Walton League Chapter. Thank you, Krissy!

2) Gordy Bratsch Award- This award is named after our old neighbor, Gordy Bratsch, who was the “unofficial caretaker”- he was committed to keeping Bush Lake clean and the Chapter running smoothly. This award is given to a member that contributes to the chapter and the environment, year after year.

Lee Ann Landstrom is a long-time member that is always sure to fulfill her Chapter volunteer requirements but is also involved with the Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter (MRVAC), where she currently serves as a Director at Large, and Environmental Action & Conservation Chair. Lee Ann can’t always make it to our volunteer events, but she is sure to reach out to Paul and ask how she can help out. For several years this was pulling abundant sweet clover around the lake, and, this year, she sat and watched for chimney swifts coming and going from our chimney swift tower to get photo documentation, which she got! At MRVAC, she wears many hats, but a big one is managing their grant program, giving grants to non-profits, schools and governmental organizations for projects that benefit wildlife and promote environmental awareness, education, and advocacy. One such fortunate recipient of a MRVAC grant was the Jefferson High School Earth Corps, where grant funds were used for native plants for their Unity Garden. And of course, Lee Ann volunteered and helped with the garden. This year’s Gordy Bratsch Award goes to Lee Ann Landstrom!

3) Public Good Award- Award given to non-profit, city or public staff or elected officials for their outstanding contributions to water quality, conservation, and/or the environment.

A) City of Bloomington Solid Waste Program - This award is to recognize the solid waste Bloomington staff for the amazing progress in reducing landfill contributions and putting programs in place that incentivize residents to reduce their footprint. Their efforts started with organized collection- reducing the number of trucks moving through our neighborhoods, making them safer and less polluted, saving wear and tear on roads, and more. Next, they implemented organics drop off sites, and soon after, Bloomington residents were able to have curbside organics recycling. Soon after this, the City and Solid Waste Program studied our “dump all your junk on the curb once a year”- also known as curbside clean up, and found that more than 1/3 of these items put on the curb could be recycled or reused. Their solution- a multifaceted program that combined the previous and popular curbside pickup program with a series of new initiatives aimed at reusing items previously thrown in the landfill. Our City is leading the way in Minnesota on solid waste, and the city now has a goal of recycling or composting 75% of the waste generated in the city by 2030. The City Solid Waste Program is led by Laura Horner- special kudos to her! One of this year’s Public Good Awards goes to the City of Bloomington Solid Waste Program.

B) A member of our chapter, Representative Steve Elkins has worked since the mid-1990’s creating safe, sustainable, efficient transportation solutions: so that everyday people (schoolchildren, workers, disabled, elders, economically disadvantaged, everybody) can get where they need to go safely and efficiently while reducing their carbon footprint through active modes of transportation (walking, cycling).

Here are four points essential to understanding the problem that Steve has worked so long to address and the success he has had which are good for all of us.

1. Climate change mitigation starts with reducing carbon emissions.

2. In Minnesota, any realistic effort to reduce carbon emissions must place transportation front and center. According to MnDOT: “Transportation is the top source of carbon pollution in Minnesota and the United States. Land use patterns and unsafe, inconvenient alternatives make driving alone the most convenient choice for many Minnesotans. Cars in Minnesota are mostly powered by fossil fuels, which emit carbon pollution and other air pollutants.”

3. The personal automobile is the least sustainable--but most popular--mode of transportation in Minnesota. The automobile not only produces emissions—from the tailpipe or, in the case of e-cars, at the powerhouse—but it also requires large swaths of our landscape be paved thereby producing runoff and urban heat island, encourages urban sprawl, creates barriers and risks the personal safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

4. One of the biggest obstacles keeping people from switching from their automobiles to sustainable, active modes of transportation—walking, cycling—is safety. Quite frankly, automobiles preclude the emergence of other modes of transportation by their limiting their access and threatening their safety. In order to get people to choose sustainable climate-friendly modes of transportation, the safety issue must be addressed.

One of Steve’s recent legislative successes is the Bill Dooley Bicycle Safety Act, named after a Black Minnesotan who dedicated much of his life to making cycling accessible to diverse communities. This bill, carried by Steve, put Minnesota at the leading edge of bicycle, and pedestrian safety—especially for children and their safe routes to school. Signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz, now we have:

• Bicycle safety programs in schools
• Two new bike routes added to the state network
• A revived citizens advisory board for non-motorized transportation
• Federal transportation funds directed specifically to non-motorized transportation and to the safe routes to school program
• The “Idaho stop” which allows cyclists to proceed through stop signs without the requirement to come to a complete stop.
• Rules establishing the space motorists must yield to cyclists on roadways.

By making “active” transportation safer with the Bill Dooley Bicycle Safety Act, Steve is helping Minnesotans (especially our youngest) make the sustainable choice to switch to active modes of transportation. In addition to the immediate mitigation of carbon emissions, this legislation makes neighborhoods safer, the air and water cleaner, the natural areas quieter, and make it safer for all of us to enjoy outdoor activities. Thank you, Steve. Keep up the good work!

4) Bush Lake Commitment to Conservation Award- Given to an individual or organization inside or outside the organization that has contributed to restoration, habitat, and conservation in Minnesota.

Julia Bohnen serves as a researcher at the Restoration Ecology & Invasion Biology Department at the Larkin Lab at the University of Minnesota. She manages the Ecological Restoration training program and invasive Phragmites surveillance, control, and research efforts. The University’s Invasive Phragmites program is likely our state’s most successful invasive species Early Detection and Rapid Response Program, taking invasive phragmites head on, finding and removing populations of this species before it becomes widespread. Non-native phragmites is a very large, aggressive grass that has taken over many square miles of shoreland and wetland in other areas of the world. If only we had a program like this for all of our invasive species! The Ecological Restoration training program has trained hundreds of practitioners who are now out in the field restoring land and water and protecting our states biodiversity for years to come. This year’s Bush Lake Commitment to Conservation Award goes to Julia Bohnen, and we thank her for her dedication and excellent work protecting our natural resources.

5) Youth Conservation Award- Awarded to youth for their outstanding contributions to the Chapter, conservation, or the environment.

Felix Malcolm-Manzoni is a remarkable young leader whose passion for environmental stewardship and community education is truly inspiring. At just 13 years old, Felix has made significant strides in promoting soil health and ecological awareness. He began this journey at the age of 9 as a volunteer on the Linden Hills abandoned trolley path healthy soil demonstration site, not only helping regenerate the land but also educating others about the importance of healthy soil and mycorrhizal fungi as a keynote speaker at numerous youth workshops and community events.

Felix's commitment extends beyond his local community. For the past three years he has represented the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) at the Department of Agriculture’s “Dig It” exhibit, putting in long hours and captivating audiences with his knowledge and enthusiasm. In the winter of 2023, he showcased regenerative landscaping and native plants at the Minnesota Science Museum. His role as a Southwest community education instructor during the pandemic, his musical performance at the Linden Hills Festival presenting the song he wrote about healthy soil when he was 10 years old, and his efforts in transitioning gardens to support pollinators highlight his innovative approach to environmental advocacy. With upcoming roles in the world premiere of "Seniorita Mariposa" that opens September 19th about the journey of a Monarch butterfly from Canada to Mexico and continued work as a youth environmentalist such as visiting the Boundary Waters each summer and speaking to elementary school classes, Felix exemplifies the spirit of ecological leadership and dedication. This year’s Bush Lake Youth Conservation Award goes to Felix Malcolm Manzoni. Felix, thank you- and keep up the great work!

Bush Lake Chapter IWLA Awards 2023

1) Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award- for member with outstanding contributions to the chapter in 2023

This year’s Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Glenn Corliss- John Crampton stole/recruited Glenn from the Minnesota Valley Chapter. We don’t think Glenn has missed a volunteer event in the 3 years he’s been a member. He has a can-do attitude, is quick to lend a hand, and is a great guy to work with. We know that Glenn stays busy with other volunteering too, so we appreciate his dedication to the Ikes and our Chapter. Thanks Glenn!

2) Gordy Bratsch Award- This award is named after our old neighbor, Gordy Bratsch, who was the “unofficial caretaker”- he was committed to keeping Bush Lake clean and the Chapter running smoothly. This award is given to a member that contributes to the chapter and the environment, year after year.

It is fitting that we give this year’s Gordy Bratsch award to Steve Dale, as Steve was also neighbors with Gordy, and could probably share some stories! Steve is our neighbor up the road and has been for many years. Steve always donates food and drink for our events that help sustain our volunteers. He can always be counted on to support our mission and our conservation programs. Steve is also a great neighbor of the lake and has a very large native prairie and shoreline buffer that is maintained, so it can thrive and provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, while protecting water quality in the lake. Steve is kept busy with his two young grandsons that live next door to him, along with his daughter Katie and her husband Patrick. Thanks for being a great member and neighbor, Steve!

3) Public Good Award- Award given to non-profit, city or public staff or elected officials for their outstanding contributions to water quality, conservation, and the environment.

This year’s Public Good Award goes to the Friends of Minnetonka Parks. This is recently formed group has already done tremendous work restoring public parks in Minnetonka and advocating for wildlife habitat and conservation, and educating the public on these important topics. They have been able to build community support and engage many volunteers in restoring public land in Minnetonka. I encourage you to check out their cool website where they restoration resources, volunteer events, and more. The Bush Lake Chapter would like to thank the Friends of Minnetonka Parks for their incredible efforts in restoring and preserving public lands for people and wildlife alike.

4) Bush Lake Commitment to Conservation Award- Given to an individual or organization inside or outside the organization that has contributed to restoration, habitat, and conservation in Minnesota.

This year’s Bush Lake Commitment to Conservation Award goes to Dan Shaw.  Dan is the go to guy for all things restoration ecology in Minnesota. Many of the practices and restoration methods we have used on our Chapter property, Dan had something to do with.

For the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the State of Minnesota, Dan is the Senior Ecologist and Vegetation Specialist. He also teaches ecology courses at the University of Minnesota. He has written and illustrated several ecology-focused publications. He has helped to create and coordinate numerous conservation programs, focusing on native vegetation, invasive species management, pollinator habitat, habitat-friendly solar, water management and climate resiliency. He has taught many students who you can now find working as professionals in the field, restoring land and water throughout the state. One of Dan’s most recent and most successful programs is Lawns to Legumes, which encourages Minnesotans to provide pollinator habitat in their own backyards. Dan is a legend in the conservation and botany world in Minnesota.  We are all better off, and our cherished natural resources are much better off, thanks to Dan, his hard work, and his commitment to conservation.

5) Youth Conservation Award- Awarded to youth for their outstanding contributions to the Chapter, conservation, or the environment.

This year’s Youth Conservation Award goes to Camille Morton. Camille is a freshman at Purdue University. She is the founding President of the Minnesota River Valley’s Green Crew. She currently serves on the Minnesota Valley’s Board of Directors. She co- chaired a committee for the Minnesota Division and was appointed as Minnesota Valley Chapter’s representative to the Minnesota Division Board.

Camille was one of three Green Crew members who attended this summer’s national convention in Nebraska. In her presentation, she challenged attendees to add youth to their chapter, state and national leadership teams.

For outstanding character, dedication and volunteer leadership, Camille truly deserves the 2023 Bush Lake Izaak Walton League Youth Conservation Award.

This one is for the #swifties! Chimney swifts are a fascinating - but declining - bird species right here in Minnesota. These aerial acrobats spend almost all their time on the wing, hunting insects. Listen for their twittering chatter as they zip across the summer sky, and look for small, dark gray "flying cigars" - a nickname earned from their unique silhouette! They sometimes are confused for bats, but you can tell the difference by looking for the swift’s long, pointed wings. 

Because chimney swifts cannot perch on branches, they rely on their velcro-like claws to cling to rough, vertical surfaces for roosting and nesting. Historically, this was accomplished with the help of massive hollow trees and caves before brick chimneys came along. Now, as chimneys fall out of use or are capped, these birds are losing critical roosting and nesting habitat.

Chimney swift towers - artificial structures which mimic a chimney - provide a crucial lifeline. Our chapter’s tower, near the playground, was built by scouts about 15 years ago, but sat quiet - until the summer of 2024! Swifts finally moved in, using it for nesting (they snap twigs mid-flight and glue them together against the wall in the structure with their sticky saliva) and roosting.

In late summer, swifts gather in massive groups to roost before their long migration to South America. Recently, our caretakers and members have spotted about a dozen swifts diving into the chapter tower at dusk to spend the night. Watching them drop out of the sky into the tower is an incredible sight! If you can’t make it to the chapter at sunset, consider joining a local "Chimney Swift Sit" to catch the show.

Written by Bush Lake Ike and birding extraordinaire, Steph MacPhail

Exciting News from Bush Lake!

We’re thrilled to announce that our chapter has been awarded a $1,410 Adopt-a-Woodland Grant from the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District! These funds will go directly toward restoring the half-acre woodland section just north of the chapter property.

Restoring native habitat takes a village, and this project is a true community effort! Check out our Buckthorn Removal Plan map to see how it all fits together:

• The Chapter Property: Our half-acre restoration area sits at the north end of our grounds.

• East Pond Clearing: A joint effort between the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, Three Rivers Park District, and the City of Bloomington to clear surrounding buckthorn.

• Neighboring Lands: Local landowners are also tackling invasive species on their adjacent properties!

By working together, we are making a massive impact in restoring native plants, trees, and wildlife habitat across the entire area.

How the Grant Funds Will Be Used

Every dollar of our $1,410 grant is going straight into the ground:

• $500 – Professional contractor services to cut down large-diameter buckthorn

• $230 – Pathfinder II Ready-To-Use Herbicide for targeted stump treatment

• $310 – MNL Buckthorn Replacement Seed Mix (grasses for 1/4 acre)

• $139 – MNL Woodland Seed Mix (1,000 sq. ft.)

• $230 – Native replacement shrubs

Work will commence Oct. 3 in two shifts with a pizza break in the middle:

We need your help to make this happen! Take a moment to sign up for the Buckthorn Bust HERE.

Additional Details: Multi-Year Restoration Plan

Winter 2026

• IKE Volunteers cut buckthorn and treat stumps (TRPD is assisting with the first work day). IKE Volunteers haul and pile brush conveniently for TRPD to burn over the winter.

• IKE Volunteers prep soils where possible to dormant seed a buckthorn suppression mix (grasses only). Prefer right before a snowfall.

Spring–Summer 2027

• IKE Volunteers fence 5 to 10 small 10'×10' plots for shrub or forb establishment. Locations to be field-identified as areas absent of or sparse in existing buckthorn. The Ikes will maintain these areas by hand.

• IKE Volunteers re-cut buckthorn if it gets over 2 to 3 feet tall by mid-summer to prevent it from being too tall to spray in the fall.

Fall 2027

• Contractor conducts a foliar spray when native trees have brown leaves while buckthorn leaves are still green.

Spring–Summer 2028

• IKE Volunteers maintain by hand the 10'×10' plots for shrub or forb establishment areas.

Fall 2028

• Contractor conducts a foliar spray when native trees have brown leaves while buckthorn leaves are still green.

• If possible, TRPD or contractor will burn off grass thatch (TBD).

• IKE Volunteers prep soils where feasible and apply native forb mix and/or native shrubs for re-establishment. A 2028 NMCWD grant may be needed for this additional plug or seed mixture.

Turning Passion into Action: Reflections from the 2026 Izaak Walton League Convention

The Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League hosted an outstanding national convention this year. In fact, the final resolution passed during the business meeting was a formal "thank you" from Ikes across the country, recognizing Minnesota Chapters for their warm hospitality and for hosting an engaging and meaningful convention.

This year's theme—"Get It Done: Turning Passion into Action"—captured both the history of our League and the challenges before us. Passion is where conservation begins. Action is what changes the world.

The timing of the convention made that message especially meaningful. With smoke filling the sky, record-setting heat, and wildfires burning in our beloved Boundary Waters, attendees were reminded that the work of conservation is as urgent as ever. Throughout the convention, speakers explored issues ranging from data centers and commercial agriculture to U.S. Forest Service budget cuts and nitrate contamination, while discussions centered on protecting public lands, restoring habitat, and safeguarding clean water.

For chapter member Krissy Anderson, those conversations revealed a common thread.

"It was great being around so many nature minded people at the national convention, and it was interesting to listen to the various speakers. Speaker topics included data centers, commercial agriculture, U.S. Forest Service budget cuts, and nitrate contamination. My three main takeaways after listening to the speakers were 1.) Focusing on clean and adequate water levels are two overarching topics that can unite Ikes, communities, and people to solve many of our current environmental issues. 2.) Partnership is the key to resolving our issues. 3.) Utilizing and valuing both the knowledge of our elders and the energy of our youth. Lastly, while talking to other attendees I was reminded of just how amazing our chapter is. The location of our five acre peninsula is incredible for so many reasons. And the many nice and nature minded people make it an amazing place to spend time and to carry out our Izaak Walton League mission."

Clean water emerged as one of the convention's defining priorities. Across presentations and discussions, Ikes agreed that in 2026, every American—and every person—deserves access to clean drinking water and lakes, rivers, and streams that are safe for fishing, paddling, swimming, and recreation.

But beyond the educational sessions, the convention also reminded attendees that the League's greatest strength is its people.

As chapter member Doug Claycomb reflected:

"This convention reinforced a sense of pride in being a Minnesota Ike.

I was particularly impressed by the contributions of two remarkable Minnesotans. Mayor Tim Busse offered >350 participants a warm welcome to Bloomington and Rep. Betty McCollum gave an inspiring address, rousing attendees in defense of the environment and the need to engage in political action for conservation.

I did a lot of socializing. I enjoyed making new friends from other states, specifically Virginia and Maryland, where I lived in my younger years, finding connections and common experiences."

There is no question that the challenges ahead are significant. Protecting our waters, restoring habitat, and conserving public lands will require dedication, partnerships, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves. Fortunately, that's exactly what Ikes have been doing for more than a century.

Whether your contribution is big or small, there's a place for you in this work. As the convention reminded us, conservation isn't powered by passion alone—it succeeds when people turn that passion into action.