“Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time”

In his "A Sand County Almanac", Aldo Leopold wrote about a personal experience he had while working in Arizona: “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.”

This experience changed Leopold’s thinking and his view of the man’s impact on the environment.  It was just the beginning of the development of his understanding of conservation and his demonstration of  man’s responsibility for the welfare of the earth.  The documentary film “Green Fire” tells of Leopold’s personal journey and how important his legacy is to us today.   It will challenge us to rethink our own relationship to the natural community.

Green Fire was produced in partnership between the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the Center for Humans and Nature, and the US Forest Service. It includes historical photographs and documents as well as beautiful full-color views of the landscapes that were important to Leopold such as the Leopold Family Shack and the University of Wisconsin Arboretum.   Watch also for pictures of the International Crane Foundation and the Madison’s Farmer’s Market. Insights from noted conservation leaders and even three of Leopold’s own children add to the discussion of Leopold’s legacy.

The film has received many awards and has been highlighted nationally at festivals and conferences.  You are invited to this special free showing at the North Shore Library in celebration of the 2012 Aldo Leopold Weekend.  After the film, please join us at Kletzsch Park for a roaring fire, hot chocolate and refreshments.

When: Saturday, March 3 at 1:30 pm

Where: North Shore Library, 6800 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale

Reserve your spot: Call the Library at 414-351-3461

“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.”  - from the foreword to “A Sand County Almanac”