Discover America's Early Environmentalist Aldo Leopold in Arizona's State Parks

Sedona, AZ: This year, Arizona State Parks, in conjunction with the states of Arizona and New Mexico and the Aldo Leopold Foundation, will kick off a yearlong celebration of Aldo Leopold's arrival in the southwest ( Springerville ,Arizona, 1909). Arizona State Parks will hold special centennial events in seven parks over the next year (see the list of dates below).
 
Aldo Leopold is considered by many as the Father of Wildlife Management in the United States and his literary works are used in most Universities in the field of Natural Resources. He was born in 1887,  died in 1948, and was an ecologist, forester, and environmentalist. Leopold was influential in the development of modern environmental ethics and in the movement for wilderness preservation. For a good introduction to Leopold's time in Arizona check out "Aldo Leopold's Southwest," a collection of 26 essays by Leopold.  Leopold's most famous book, "A Sand County Almanac," contains insightful and moving nature-related essays related to his outdoor experiences. His biography is called "Aldo Leopold: A Fierce Green Fire."
 
The goal of the centennial celebration is to promote Leopold's vision that an ethical relationship with the land is essential to a vibrant and healthy community. The theme of this yearlong celebration is the relevance of Leopold's Land Ethic to how we address today's pressing environmental issues and make policy decisions about our future. Our goal is to engage the citizens of our community in the meaningful commitment to promise our children the inheritance of a beautiful and healthy physical environment.  
Each event at the State Parks will offer something different. Some of the highlights include: a geocache event, nature hikes, tours of historic buildings, kids activities, interpretive talks on wildlife and science, book signings with David Brown, overnight backpacking trip, canoe/kayak trip and historical re-enactors.
 
For more information, visit the State Parks website at http://www.azstateparks.com/find/aldo_calendar.html
 
Aldo Leopold Centennial Celebration dates:
 
June 6, 2009 at Kartchner Caverns State Park
August 15, 2009 at Lyman Lake State Park
September 20, 2009 at Red Rock State Park
October 3, 2009 at Oracle State Park
November 28, 2009 at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
February 13, 2010 at McFarland State Historic Park
March 6, 2010 at Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park
 
For more information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit azstateparks.com.
 
Article courtesy of Arizona State Parks.

Posted May 18, 2009.