The Leopold Shack Autumnal Tour Series
As cooler temperatures return and the leaves begin to paint the landscape with warm hues, the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm becomes a picturesque destination calling for fall visitors. As if the postcard perfect scene wasn’t enough to tempt, this October a series of programs will accompany the weekly guided tours of the Shack. The series will incorporate some of fall’s quintessential themes and activities – from hunting to heirloom apples, seed collecting and bird migrations – and feature guest speakers for a new and interactive twist to the historical tour.
The series will be offered on Saturdays this October with each tour program beginning at 1pm. Guided tours cost $15 for adults ($10 for seniors, $8 for children 11-17) and are free for members. There is no additional cost for themed programming.
Fall Bird Migration & Leopold’s Love of Birds – Saturday, October 5
Dr. Stan Temple, Senior Fellow, Aldo Leopold Foundation, and Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison
October is peak time for migrating birds to be moving through Wisconsin. Ever wonder how birds know when to migrate and where to go? We’ll share how Leopold took note of birds in his ‘backyard’ as well as explore several aspects of bird migration so you can help migrants make the journey successfully.
Apples, Agriculture, and Aldo – Saturday, October 12
Dr. Curt Meine, Senior Fellow, Aldo Leopold Foundation and Center for Humans & Nature
Leopold believed people should know where their food and heat comes from; that’s one of the reasons he bought a farm! In addition to a large vegetable garden, did you know the Leopold family also had apple trees? Two of those remain near the Shack as relics of a bygone time. Join us for an intriguing reflection about how diverse food systems contribute to ecological resilience through Leopold’s definition of land health: the capacity for self-renewal.
Conservation Values of a Hunter: Leopold – Saturday, October 19
Patrick Durkin, Outdoor writer, newspaper columnist, MeatEater contributor, and blogger at Patrick Durkin Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram and patrickdurkinoutdoors.com
For some, fall is synonymous with hunting season. Learn how Aldo Leopold’s connection to nature blossomed during his childhood through hunting activities, and how his understanding and thinking of hunting’s role changed throughout his lifetime. Hear stories of how hunters today embody Leopold’s conservationist values and become deeply connected to the outdoors.
Preserving a Prairie: Seed Collecting from Leopold’s Farm – Saturday, October 26
Scott Weber, Conservation Biologist and Co-Owner of Bluestem Farm
With sunsets gracing the sky earlier each evening and temperatures descending stealthily, prairie plants take nature’s cues and set seeds. To ensure months of photosynthetic efforts are not wasted, a future generation is prepared in one of the oldest prairie restorations in the world. Immerse yourself in a sea of Indian grass, little bluestem, and asters, and take home seed collected from the Shack Prairie to add some native diversity to your backyard.
For more information, visit our calendar of events here. Reservations are recommended for our guided tours, but they are not required. Plan your visit today and reserve your spot. Or if you decide to join us last minute, just give us a call to make sure is space available.