Learn history of Elgin's Walton Islands on June 6

On Tuesday, June 6, the Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League will host a program about the Walton Islands in the Fox River in Elgin.

Al Walters, from the Elgin History Museum will explore the origins of the Walton Islands and explain how they became an important part of downtown Elgin.

The island on the Fox River across from the Hemmens was developed in the 1930s as part of a Works Progress Administration program and was dedicated to the city by the Izaak Walton League.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. at the Hanover Township Izaak Walton Center at 899 Jay St. in Elgin.

The Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, known as the "Elgin Ikes," was established in 1931. Chapter members volunteer time to introduce youth and families to conservation, outdoor recreation, and land ethics by building nature trails, restoring stream banks, monitoring and "cleaning" creeks, planting trees, and eliminating invasive species.

The chapter sponsors both a Cub Pack, Boy Scout Troop, and a Venturing Crew. The lodge is located at the confluence of Willow and Poplar creeks. Meetings and programs are held at the Hanover Township Izaak Walton Center.

For information on the Izaak Walton League, visit www.iwla.org/elgin or facebook.com/izaakwaltonleagueelginchapter/.