Nebraska Bird Partnership

In his influential book, A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. The development of a land ethic was, he wrote, “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.” A land ethic is alive and well today in the thousands of American farmers, ranchers, and foresters who do well by their land and do well for their land.  Sand County Foundation presents its Leopold Conservation Award to a private landowner who exemplifies the spirit of this emerging land ethic — an individual or a family who translates their deep abiding love for the land into responsible stewardship and management. In Nebraska, Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award in partnership with Nebraska Cattlemen. The Leopold Conservation Award winner receives an Aldo Leopold crystal and a check for $10,000.

Leopold Conservation Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation, inspire other landowners through their example, and help the general public understand the vital role private landowners can and do play in conservation success.  The nominations deadline for 2010 awards is March 22, 2010.  For further information, see the Leopold Conservation Award website.