Conservationists honor history

Fifty years ago, Herb Read had a single goal in mind: to preserve the natural resources unique to Northwest Indiana.

Read continues to preside over the Porter County chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America as it celebrates a half-century of conservation.

"I was the first president of the Porter County chapter, and then there were a few people who came in after me," Read said. "Our interest is to try and help preserve the open spaces and the natural features we think make Porter County unique and beautiful and a great place to live."

On Saturday, Izaak Walton members and conservationists from throughout the community gathered to commemorate the group's history at a celebration luncheon that Read hosted. Chapter Vice President Tim Cole said the event was a good opportunity for members to remember their roots within the organization.

"To celebrate 50 years with the same people who've been there for most of those 50 years -- that's significant," Cole said.

The chapter, chartered by Read in 1959 as part of a national organization dedicated to protecting nature and wildlife, has played an active role in conserving wetlands and woodlands throughout the area, setting aside nature preserves in the county.

One of the group's first projects was to push Congress to pass a resolution protecting the remaining dunelands in the 1950s that comprise what is now Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park.

"There was no one actively pushing the resolution at that time, so our chapter was organized around the objective to help save the dunes and create the present national park, but we also had interests beyond the national park," Read said.

The group also was one of the first organizations to call for the preservation of waterways such as the Kankakee River, Calumet River and Salt Creek.

Today, Izaak Walton works to educate the public, bringing conservationists to the area to speak and hosting nature field trips.

"For 50 years we have had two or three generations of people who have come in with the same goals and purpose," Cole said. "We want to see open areas preserved for the use and enjoyment of people."

While Read said he is happy to recognize decades of progress, he is looking forward to see what future successes lay in store for the group.

"Some of the things we've pointed out as problems 50 years ago (are) still a problem," Read said. "We have won some and lost some. We're celebrating our accomplishments and will face our challenges now and in the future."