Learn about Leopold Memorial Reserve at special reading, discussion Sept. 15
The McHenry County Conservation District and special guest author Steve Laubach invite you to explore a part of conservation history with a reading and discussion of "Living a Land Ethic: A History of Cooperative Conservation on the Leopold Memorial Reserve" on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The program will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.
In 1935 in the midst of relentless drought, Aldo Leopold purchased an abandoned farm along the Wisconsin River near Baraboo, Wisconsin. An old chicken coop, later to become famous as the Leopold "Shack," was the property's only intact structure. The Leopold family embraced this spent farm as a new kind of laboratory - a place to experiment on restoring health to an ailing piece of land. Here, Leopold found inspiration for writing "A Sand County Almanac," his influential book of essays on conservation and ethics.
"Living a Land Ethic" chronicles the formation of the 1,600-acre reserve surrounding the Shack. The land that is now the Leopold Memorial Reserve provided Aldo Leopold with an ideal setting for his pioneering experiments in ecological restoration. In 1967, five neighboring landowners recognized this area's significance to conservation history and signed an agreement to restrict development and continue restoration efforts around the Shack.
Author Steve Laubach will read from his book "Living a Land Ethic" and examine how the reserve demonstrates an innovative effort in private conservation connected to the modern land trust movement. He also will share unexpected findings from his research including rare video footage of Aldo Leopold fly fishing in northern Wisconsin.
Space is limited. It is for those 14 years and older. Registration required by Friday, Sept. 11. Cost is free for county residents and $6 for nonresidents. Books will be available for purchase and the author will have a book signing after the presentation.
Laubach works for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum in the Earth Partnership program and does regional consulting work in watershed conservation. He promotes ecological restoration and water stewardship in schools and communities. Laubach taught biology and environmental studies for several years at Aldo Leopold's high school alma mater, the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. He recently completed his PhD in environmental studies and science education.
Visit www.MCCDistrict.org to view other program offerings or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine "Landscapes." Registration is accepted online, by phone for free programs only, at (815) 479-5779, by mail-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.