The Berkeley County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America is a members-only organization located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, along the Interstate 81 corridor. Situated at the mouth of the Opequon Creek along the Potomac River, the Berkeley County Chapter was chartered on December 7, 1929, and was the first chapter to be chartered in the state of West Virginia by the Izaak Walton League of America. Mr. L.A. Ruckman, a Berkeley County school teacher and Boy Scout leader, was the founder of the chapter. Chapter meetings were held at various places until the 54.65 acre parcel of land at the present location was purchased in August of 1941. A chapter house was constructed with materials taken from a donated building, reconstructed on the northwest corner of the newly purchased land, and was christened "Cedar Lodge." Membership grew quickly, and by 1946 the present chapter house was completed and dedicated. In 1956 the Kenna Chapter was chartered as the first ladies chapter in the state of West Virginia, also on the property of the current Berkeley County Chapter. The two have since merged to form one chapter and this has led to the establishment of regular memberships as well as family memberships. Members may benefit from camping, boating, fishing, leisurely walks along the abundant nature trails, or participating in chapter conservation efforts such as Save our Streams, Adopt a Highway, and various other efforts.

Membership Info:

Pat Crouse

Berkeley County Chapter IWLA

Martinsburg, WV 25402

(717)597-8057

[email protected]