Aldo Leopold & the Apache National Forest: Roots of a land ethic

Dr. Flader will begin by introducing us to Aldo Leopold as a conservationist deeply committed to the health of lands, wildlife, and watersheds. Her talk, titled Aldo Leopold & the Apache National Forest:  Roots of a land ethic begins at 6:30. Susan will focus on his land ethic and how we are connected to the land on which we live. Leopold began his career as a forester on the Apache National Forest in 1909.  The Apache influenced his thinking throughout his lifetime.  He came to understand the intricate balance of nature and how critical different components of the system were to the health of our forests. Viewing of the Green Fire documentary after presentation.

Hike to the Green Fire site, where almost 104 years ago Aldo Leopold and his companions stood shooting at a pack of wolves below.  Susan Flader will talk about how the site was discovered and Leopold’s transformation from wolf killer to protector. We will also be reading passages from Leopold’s “Thinking like a Mountain” where he recounts the watching the fierce green fire go out of the wolf’s eyes and how it affected him. We will also talk about the proposed Green Fire interpretive trail and overlook.

Hike length 2 to 7 miles and determined individually.  You can choose to hike the 2 miles to the overlook or bushwhack down the proposed trail to the Black River. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear.

Saturday, September 21
Meet at the Alpine Ranger Station, Alpine, AZ at 8:30am.  Hike length 6 miles round trip.

Hike to the top of Escudilla Mountain, written about by Leopold in one of his essays in A Sand County Almanac.  Passages from Leopold’s writings will be read, and discussion of the impact that this place had on his life.

Permanent Exhibit,  August 10 through September 22
Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
USFS Apache-Sitgreaves Supervisor’s Office (Behind Subway)
30 S. Chiricahua Dr.  Springerville, AZ
928-333-4301

The ongoing exhibit will include photographs, writings, and artifacts related to Leopold’s stay in Arizona.  You will be able to view the Green Fire film anytime this exhibit is open.

Presented by the US Forest Service /Apache-Sitgreaves Supervisor’s Office, the White Mountain Conservation League, and Great Old Broads for Wilderness