Labor of Love: Izaak Walton's President Looks Back on 43 Years of Service

For nearly half of a century, Bob Ahlf has dedicated himself to keeping Homewood’s Izaak Walton Preserve in the pristine condition that it exists in today. 

Why does he do it?

True Love.

“It’s a beautiful place in every sense of the word,” Ahlf said. “I don’t care whether it’s fall, winter, spring or summer, it’s beautiful in a natural way.”

Originally spanning 26 acres, Izaak Walton Preserve was founded in 1946 by conservationist Arthur Senior, a member of the Izaak Walton League of America.

Today, the preserve is a massive 193 acres of trails, fishing ponds and prairie and has a surplus of 1,000 members.

Ahlf joined the organization in 1968 and was made president of the preserve just four years later. While his love of conservation and the natural world drew him to Izaak Walton, Ahlf was primarily excited over the prospects of enjoying the preserve’s several fishing ponds, which are home to catfish, carp, trout, perch and sunfish. 

“And you know, I haven’t fished one day, since I’ve been here,” he laughs.

Luckily, there are plenty of other tasks to keep Ahlf busy at Izzak Walton. One of his most important duties, as of late, is trying to keep the preserve clear of numerous invasive plant species. He also oversees both the grounds and the volunteers that Izaak Walton attracts on a daily basis.

However, even after 43 years of working with the Homewood preserve, to Ahlf, it is still a labor of love.

“I enjoy every day (here)," said Ahlf.