Wayne County students invited to apply for Koehler scholarship

The Wayne County Izaak Walton League of America is accepting applications for its 2026 Richard B. Koehler Foundation Scholarship. The league provides financial assistance scholarships up to $1,200 for eligible citizens of Wayne County who desire to further their education beyond high school in the fields of natural resources, soil and water conservation, forestry, wildlife biology, parks and recreation, and environmental sciences.

Scholarships are merit-based, but special needs may be brought to the attention of the review committee for consideration. The deadline to apply is May 15. Students can obtain an application by contacting their school counselor or by visiting sites.google.com/view/waynecounty/.

The league’s focus is to strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources. Members desire to know and understand the beauty of nature and the value of wildlife, woodlands and open space. They focus on the preservation of this heritage and to man’s sharing in it. Information regarding the Izaak Walton League of America may be found at the national website at www.iwla.org/.

The Wayne County Izaak Walton League of America was organized in 1932. The chapter serves members and the community in multiple ways by providing opportunities to hunt, hike, fish and camp. It currently owns and protects over 275 acres of woods and streams and is registered as Tree Farm No. 1 in Ohio.

The organization also provides space for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts outings, education for school children, a private place for the family to enjoy the outdoors, a shooting range, an archery range, hunter safety classes, and a free assisted hunt on the chapter grounds for any limited mobility deer hunter.

Chapter activities include monthly meetings with conservation programs and social functions such as an annual chicken barbecue, Christmas dinner, haunted forest and more. The IWL supports students pursuing careers in outdoor fields through several scholarship programs.

Richard B. Koehler was a science and math teacher at Triway High School for 36 years. While at Triway, Koehler was instrumental in launching the computer program for the district; initiated an energy, science and technology course wherein students designed and built alternative energy projects; spearheaded a student-produced Veterans Day assembly; revitalized the Science Club; and organized a yearly tradition of going to Hocking Hills each spring for club members.

He was an active member of the Wayne County Izaak Walton League, where he acted as delegate to the national conventions. He took part in creating and setting up the display at the Wayne County Fair and Red, Gray and Green Day for the league and enjoyed being a part of the annual Adventure Camp for the children of club members.