© 2024 Ideastream Public Media

1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 916-6100 | (877) 399-3307

WKSU is a public media service licensed to Kent State University and operated by Ideastream Public Media.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Aldo Leopold's land ethics philosophy still resonates with Northeast Ohio experts 75 years later

Image of the Chagrin River bank with the river on the right and trees and green space to the left.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
The Chagrin River in Willoughby Ohio. Willoughby and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy partnered to acquire 105-acres of greenspace along the river to protect natural habitat, including floodplains and wetlands, necessary for a variety of native species in the area.

In the 1949 book, "A Sand County Almanac," Aldo Leopold, known as the father of modern conservation, wrote, "We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect."

Leopold popularized the philosophy known as land ethics, which sees biodiversity and healthy ecosystems as essential to human survival.

Leopold's legacy has had an immense impact on many of the people and organizations that work in conservation here in Northeast Ohio. On Feb. 7, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy hosted a sold out event that celebrated the 75th anniversary Leopold's book.

In case you missed it, we devoted the "Sound of Ideas" on Feb. 7 to discussing Leopold's legacy, the conservation work happening in the region, and how we can all take better care of our surrounding environment.

The discussion launched our new monthly series, "Environmental Stewards," that will focus on positive environmental changes people can make in their own communities.

Guests:
-Rich Cochran, President and CEO, Western Reserve Land Conservancy
-Buddy Huffaker, Executive Director, Aldo Leopold Foundation
-Christopher Kuhar, Ph.D., Executive Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
-Harvey Webster, Trustee, Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, Retired Chief Wildlife Officer & Ambassador Emeritus, Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Rachel is the supervising producer for Ideastream Public Media’s morning public affairs show, the “Sound of Ideas.”