aldo leopold foundation

I have been thinking a lot about Leopold's comment about the garden and wood. As a high school teacher, sometimes I encounter students who haven't noticed or who appreciate what they have. If you have to grow your own food, and chop your own heat, you better appreciate the things you have. I try to give my students food for thought, and Leopold's words really put things in perspective.

For someone who has never heard of Aldo Leopold, it probably wouldn't mean much, but we found it fascinating. We were part of a tour from a conference, so we heard a presentation on how the "green" buildings function. This was interesting, but I really enjoyed the history display in the main building, and the videos. The gift shop also was excellent, and by purchasing a membership the same day we got reduced prices. If you are interested in environmental history in Wisconsin, this is a must-see.

If you're a nature lover you must visit this place. Everyone should know about Aldo Leopold by going through the Center and visiting the Shack. The walks around the property are worth your time as well

Really enjoyed the history, stories and tribute to Aldo Leopold's life and work. I drove up from Madison with good friends, and happened to arrive at The Shack while a group of graduate students were getting a tour and rare look into the interior of the cabin space. The walk to the WI River was lovely, and the visit to the Foundation eco building down the road was remarkable too. My regret is the lack of stories and information about Aldo Leopold's life long partner and wife, devoted mother of their five, very successful children. Where is she in the documentation? See, I'm forgetting her name. She obviously produced an intelligent, accomplished family of scientists, who cared for her and her values, along with Aldo's. She has been overlooked in the conversation about the history of the American conservation movement. Surely she discussed ideas, values and was influential in his thinking? I plan on reading The Sand County Almanac again sometime soon. Despite my dismayed feminist observation, I definately encourage a visit to both The Shack and the Aldo Leopold Foundation. The land is beautiful, clearly well-cared for and beloved, the trees healthy and tall.

The Legacy Center and a visit to the Shack are a tribute to the greatness of the man that they honor. Everyone should visit this place to be inspired and to learn about a fundamental contributor to what has made the American conservation movement an international example to follow. This place makes you proud to be an American.

Although we did not get to go inside the cabin, it was wonderful to see the land, the river and enjoy the woods that Leopold enjoyed so much. His contributions to conservation causes cannot be underestimated and his writings are amazing. Thank you for maintaining this important historical structure!

A great way to spend a few hours of the day! I went through the training for the Leopold Education Project about ten years ago and since then have wanted to visit the foundation and (especially) the shack. This was a wonderful experience and provided a deeper understanding of Leopold's life. In addition to the short hike to the shack I also hiked a trail near the foundation's headquarters. Even if hiking isn't part of your plan, it is a beautiful building to visit. I marveled at its green construction. Altogether, an awe-inspiring experience!

It was so fun for me to retrace the footsteps of Aldo Leopold and see where he planted pine trees, comparing them to the photos on the sign of the barren dust bowl this land used to be. His cabin is very interesting, constructed of old driftwood that floated along the river, and the river itself is majestic. The signs are written more for a senior high school or college level audience, so it would be great if there could be some signs aimed at kids, using the Flesch-Kincaid reading level to make them readable for fourth graders. Also using more color will make the signs more eye-catching. The wildflower prairie he planted is colorful and you might even come across some spectacular wildlife. I got to see a bald eagle's nest! I also got to hear and see one of the eagle parents. As I was reading my Sand County Almanac at the University of Idaho some years ago, while I was getting my Wildlife Resources degree, I never thought I would come here and walk the same paths that good old Aldo did as he developed my field, as the father of Wildlife Biology. Hooray for history and ecology!

Wonderful place for anyone who enjoys nature. They have a beautiful visitors center with informative films and lots of interesting photos of the Leopold family and this their homestead. Aldo Leopold was a great conservationist and we are grateful for his efforts. If you haven't yet read his book A Sand Country Almanac, which he published in 1948, you will need to get a copy. It gives a wonderful insight into the man and his passion with a dash of humor thrown in making it a great read.Want to go back in the fall and walk all over the 1000+ acres sight as it's located along the Wisconsin River near Baraboo.

Aldo Leopold, Farther of Wildlife Management. The shack is high on the Bucket List for many wildlife biologists. I have one less item on my list. Very interesting site that provided an insight in Leopold's life. The Foundation's "green" building is well worth visiting also, not only for its green features, but because of the display of many of Aldo Leopold's writings and reviews.

A welcome retreat from the carnival atmosphere of Wisconsin Dells just a few miles up the road. I've been a fan of Aldo's for years and this was one of the focal points of a Wisconsin Art Tour we took. If you're looking for a corporate event venue, this would be an excellent choice for that too. Looks like a good place to open up the right hemisphere of the brain.

My son had read "The Sand County Almanac" and was familiar with Aldo Leopold's work. We were headed to northern Wisconsin and just happened to stop at a rest area on I-94 20 miles past Baraboo, WI. We saw the plaque hanging outside the rest area building. My son insisted we back track to see the Foundation Center as well as the Shack and farm. So we did.We are very pleased that we did. The Foundation Center is very well build and is very comfortable inside. We watched the two DVD's about the center and Aldo. Next we walked around the Foundation Center and then proceded to the Shack and farm where we walked all the way down to the water.Our only regret is that we were not there on a day that they gave the guided tour. We had to do the self-guided tour. If you are in the area of Baraboo, WI be sure to stop here for a few hours. It does not take all day to see everything there is to see.

Thank you for visiting the Aldo Leopold Foundation! Just to clarify a few things for future visitors: We do not have GPS coordinates or directions to the Shack posted on our website, and there is a $7 charge to take a self-guided tour of the historic Shack property. This fee contributes to the upkeep of the property and furthers the Foundation’s mission of fostering a land ethic through the legacy of Aldo Leopold. Please stop at the Legacy Center (detailed directions can be found on our website) to check-in and receive self-guided tour information. Guided tours are offered Saturday afternoons at 1:00pm, beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day and continuing through the end of October each year. Please see our website for details!

In a nutshell, this is a 'must-see' site and experience for anyone interested in conservation, and learning about all the contributions that Aldo Leopold has made to our national and international land ethic and heritage! You will not be disappointed!Prof. Alan CapelleUpper Iowa University-Madison4601 Hammersley Rd.Madison, WI 53711608-278-0350