Green Fire and Panel Discussion (Dec 5)

Save the date to attend a special screening of Green Fire, a feature-length documentary film about the life and legacy of Aldo Leopold. The film is narrated by Curt Meine, Nelson Institute alumnus and Leopold Scholar.  Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Dick Cates, CIAS. Scheduled panelists include:

• Paul Johnson, past chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Curt Meine, Aldo Leopold Biographer and Scholar
• Stanley Temple, Emeritus Leopold Chair in Wildlife Ecology
• Joy Zedler, Professor of Botany and Aldo Leopold Chair in Restoration Ecology
• Michael Bell, CIAS Director 

What:  Green Fire, Agriculture and the Land Ethic: Leopold’s Legacy, Screening and Panel Discussion 

When:  Wednesday, December 5, 2012 (7:00 PM) 

Where:  Biochemistry, Room 1125 (420 Henry Mall)

This event, a CIAS Culture of Agriculture event, is free and open to the public. 

"We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then, and have known ever since, that there was something new to me in those eyes – something known only to her and to the mountain. I was young then, and full of trigger-itch; I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters’ paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view."

--Aldo Leopold, "Thinking Like a Mountain," Sand County Almanac with Essays on Conservation from Round River

Of related interest do consult the Aldo Leopold Archives, UW Digital Collections.

Print an event poster. (PDF)

Arboretum Native Plant Sale, May 12

The Friends of the Arboretum will host its annual NativePlant Sale, Saturday, May 12, from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Look for tents near the Visitor Center. Should you wish to plan your list of must-have plants, do consult the 2012 Species List (soil and lighting requirements are listed).

While every effort is made to supply a quantity of each species, the Friends cannot guarantee that everything will remain available, or in the quantities desired, upon your arrival.

My rule of thumb (green thumb, that is!)--get there early! Experts will be on hand to help you locate species and to answer questions.

2012 Species List

Celebrating Forests for People

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests. This effort is intended to raise awareness and to recognize and celebrate people’s efforts to conserve and sustainably manage all types of forests.

Visit the site to read the UN Resolution and to access information regarding news and events. Additionally, consult the FAO Forestry site for links to data, maps and discussion regarding global forestry issues.

For your research needs and local library support, visit the campus libraries’ Research Guide to Forestry.

Arboretum Celebrates 75 Years!

Seventy-five years ago, Aldo Leopold, John Curtis, Norman Fassett and students reclaimed a piece of Wisconsin’s ecological heritage and sparked a movement. With support from the university, Madison community and Civilian Conservation Corps workers, they re-seeded a prairie--documenting their efforts in what would become a "recipe" for ecological restoration efforts, locally and nationally.

Today, the 1,200-acre Arboretum showcases a variety of restored Wisconsin landscapes, but, the centerpiece for many remains the 72-acre Curtis Prairie.

On Sunday, June 21, the Arboretum celebrates its birthday with naturalist-led walks, cake, and punch at its Visitor Center (1207 Seminole Highway). All events are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Arboretum events calendar.