The objectives of the Izaak Walton League of America are to conserve, maintain, protect and restore the soil, forest, water and other natural resources of the United States of America and other lands; to promote means and opportunities for the education of the public with respect to such resources and the enjoyment and wholesome utilization thereof.

In keeping with the two main stated national objectives of conservation and education, in 1990 the Southern Maryland Chapter purchased a 141 acre tract of land at the fork of the Zekiah and Jordan Creeks. The property, which is located on Gardiner Road in Waldorf, Maryland, includes about 60 acres of the Zekiah Swamp itself.

Our first objective was to protect a section of the Zekiah swamp from further development because the Zekiah Swamp is the largest bottomland hardwood wetland in Maryland and one of the primary water filtration systems on the east coast and effects the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The Smithsonian Institute has ranked the it first in ecological importance of 231 natural areas draining into the Chesapeake Bay. We have accomplished this objective by placing this segment of the Zekiah Swamp under an easement held by the Maryland Environmental Trust.

Our second objective is to develop an outdoor Education Center where we can organize and conduct environmental education and outdoor skills workshops and outdoor functions for the benefit of both our members and the general public in the Southern Maryland Community.