A Visit From Will Dilg: (How one man moblized people to lobby Congress to save the Upper Mississippi River)

Experience the gripping story of the man who refused to let the Mississippi River be destroyed.

The Prairie Woods and Cass County Chapters of the Izaak Walton League invite you to a unique multimedia program produced by Steven Marking. This immersive presentation brings to life the legacy of Will Dilg, the driving force behind the formation of both the Izaak Walton League and the 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi National Wildlife & Fish Refuge.

In a masterstroke of 1920s organizing, Dilg forged a powerful alliance with women’s groups fresh off their victory securing the 19th Amendment. By enlisting the trailblazers who formed the League of Women Voters and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Dilg proved that a united front could move mountains—and Congress. Today, over 100 years later, all three organizations remain vital guardians of our civic and natural world.

This program is more than a history lesson; it is a celebration of what happens when citizens "call a halt" to environmental destruction.

Join the Conversation

The experience doesn't end when the curtain falls. Following the presentation, attendees will be served a traditional treat of Wild Rice porridge with maple syrup and cream—a nod to the native bounty Dilg fought to protect. Guests will then transition into breakout groups to discuss the urgent conservation issues currently affecting our region.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind evening of history, advocacy, and community.

• Tickets: Available now at [https://donorbox.org/events/913753/steps/choose_tickets.

• Location: Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Avenue South
  Park Rapids, Minnesota 56470

• Date/Time: April 21, 2026  Doors open at 6:30: 
  Program from 7 to 8:
  Treats and Breakout groups from 8 to 9. 

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The Redistricting War: How It Affects Voters

On March 18th at 4 pm the League of Women Voters (LWV) Park Rapids will continue its discussion on how politicians, reporters, and pundits are reshaping the rules of voting. To help demystify these changes, our 100-plus-year-old organization continues to host programs designed to educate the public. We are a nonpartisan group; we do not support or endorse candidates or political parties.

The March 18th event will be a virtual program focusing on the redistricting process. While redistricting was once considered a "once-per-decade" task following the census, several states have recently begun mid-cycle redistricting. To help us understand these shifts and how they might affect Minnesota, we have invited Paul Huffman, the LWV Minnesota Elections and Redistricting Policy Coordinator, to provide an expert overview.

Paul works with national and state organizations to provide resources and support to Minnesota Leagues and community groups. He served on the Our Maps Minnesota Redistricting Campaign Steering Committee during the 2022 cycle and has been deeply involved in developing redistricting legislation.
 

Presentation Highlights:

• The Basics: An overview of what redistricting is, why it matters, and how methods vary by state.
• The "Mid-Cycle" Wave: A look at current redistricting trends across the U.S. and the potential impact of upcoming United States Supreme Court decisions (such as Louisiana v. Callais).
• Minnesota’s Outlook: Addressing whether national redistricting trends could take hold here in MN.

This program reflects the League’s core belief that an informed electorate is the backbone of a healthy democracy. Given the unpredictability of March weather, this program will be held via Zoom, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your home or from your winter home. 

How to Participate:
Email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org with your name and email address to request the meeting link.
Note: Zoom links will be distributed to registrants on March 15, 2026.