Grillin’ up support: Izaak Walton League’s Chapter 10 of Austin hosts steak cookout fundraiser
Published 8:00 am Saturday, June 21, 2025
Those take advantage of the Ikes Steak Cookout fundraiser grill their steaks while staying out of the rain Wednesday night at the Ikes Cabin in Todd Park. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Steaks sizzle and smoke on the grill behind the Ikes Cabin at Todd Park during the Austin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League’s Steak Cookout fundraiser Wednesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Steaks sizzle and smoke on the grill behind the Ikes Cabin at Todd Park during the Austin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League’s Steak Cookout fundraiser Wednesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Diners sit down to their during the Austin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League’s Steak Cookout fundraiser Wednesday night at the Ikes Cabin in Todd Park. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Place mats set out durig the Austin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League Steak Cookout fundraiser Wednesday night let diners know about the group and gives them the opportunity to become a member. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
People line-up for their steaks to cook and ready sides during the Austin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League Steak Cookout fundraiser Wednesday night at the Ikes Cabin in Todd Park. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Barb owens, center serves up a steak to be grilled during the Austin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League’s Steak Cookout Fundraiser Wednesday night at the Ikes Cabin in Todd Park. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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Members of the Austin community braved the rainy conditions Wednesday evening to attend a steak cookout put on by Austin’s chapter of the Izaak Walton League.
The Izaak Walton League dates back to the 1920s, when it was founded in Illinois and has worked for over 100 years to stop the degradation of America’s waterways and natural areas.
Chapter 10 of Austin has been putting on fundraisers for as long as anyone can remember. Jim Stiles said that two notable fundraisers have been the cookouts and putting on shoots – seeing how the Izaak Walton Cabin in Todd Park used to be the Gun Club in Austin.
“We raise money for education and to send kids to camps,” Stiles said. “The money raised also goes toward the prairie areas around the community.”
Proceeds from the cookout on Wednesday went toward the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition to promote soil health practices. On Sept. 10, proceeds from that cookout will go toward Austin High School’s Archery Club.
“We give back to the community,” Stiles added. “Money raised from these fundraisers have given us the opportunity to send kids to camps like Eagle Bluff and camps at the Nature Center here in Austin.”
The Austin chapter has put a lot of work into the Wildlife Management areas throughout Mower County. Work that includes getting rid of invasive plant species and improving water quality.
“About five years ago, studies were conducted on various streams in Mower County that showed E. coli in about 90% of streams,” Stiles said. “In light of that, the county has stepped up their vigilance in getting septic systems tested in the county. The county has really stepped up and helped with the funding for that.”
Pete Mattson said there are also invasive plant species that the Austin group has worked hard to get rid of in prairie areas.
“We receive Legacy Grants that have helped us restore some of those areas in the county,” he said. “The most recent grant has helped us get rid of invasive weedy plants like wild parsnip and Canada thistle.”
Tom Cotter, of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, was in attendance to answer questions regarding the importance of healthy soil practices and the importance of cover crops. The coalition was the recipient of Wednesday night’s efforts.
“There are endless benefits to soil health,” Cotter said. “We’re keeping the water clean and helping produce healthy food. We’re also helping farmers become stronger financially.”
Cotter went on to discuss how cover crops work to armor the soil.
“Cover crops shield the soil so the sun does not bake it, and turn it rock solid,” he said. “Cover crops capture the sun’s energy and put carbon in the soil, which is one big thing right now.”
For the Izaak Walton League of Austin and the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, events like these are not only great fundraisers, but also great for community engagement.
“We want the science to be out there for the people of the county and our community,” Stiles added. “We’re advocates for all things outdoors.”
“It’s fantastic to see people come out and support this,” Cotter said. “A lot of times, we just work, work, work – now we get to relax and enjoy this time with people who also want to improve our community.”
