Baraboo, Wis. – June 15, 2010 – Pheasants Forever’s Leopold Education Project (LEP) is holding its national conference at the Leopold Legacy Center this Thursday through Saturday in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The conference marks the 15th anniversary of Pheasants Forever’s innovative environmental education program based on the classic writings of renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold. This year’s event features authors Scott Russell Sanders and Marybeth Lorbiecki.
Conference participants will learn about Leopold’s life and philosophies, while sampling hands-on activities from the newly released LEP “Outdoors Activities Guide“ developed for teachers, environmental educators, scouts, nature centers, parks and zoos. This user-friendly, multisensory set of activities is suitable for a variety of audiences and learning styles. Using themes derived from Leopold’s classic A Sand County ALMANAC, activities provide organized, detailed and succinct background information for all instructors. Participants will take home a variety of curriculum materials and educate others about LEP.
“Considering today’s sizeable conservation challenges, the need to bring Leopold’s relevant message to a wider audience of decision makers, engaged citizens, and future generations is critical. I have no doubt the Leopold Education Project will be an integral part of moving our society toward its responsibility to the land,” explained Janine Kohn, Pheasants Forever’s Leopold Education Project Specialist.
This year’s national conference features two notable authors as keynote speakers:
Scott Russell Sanders, a retired Indiana University Professor, will be Friday evening’s keynote speaker. Among his more than twenty books are Staying Put, Writing from the Center, and Hunting for Hope. His latest book is A Conservationist Manifesto, which details his vision of a shift from a culture of consumption to a culture of caretaking.
Marybeth Lorbiecki On Saturday morning, Lorbiecki will discuss Aldo Leopold’s
philosophy and the role of humans as part of nature. Lorbiecki authored an Aldo Leopold biography for young readers called Fierce Green Fire.
The Leopold Education Project’s National Conference is open to the public.
