Colorado State University Ecologist to Discuss Nature Conservation at Book Signing in Fort Collins Oct. 5

Aldo Leopold’s contributions to the environmental movement and exploration of the ecological legacy are examined in "Aldo Leopold and the Ecological Conscience," co-edited by Rick Knight, wildlife conservation professor at Colorado State University. Essays included in the book will be explored at a book signing at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Jade Creek Books, 123 N. College Avenue in Fort Collins.

The book was written to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Aldo Leopold’s "A Sand County Almanac" – a seminal book featuring the history of nature conservation. The influence of Leopold’s short volume of essays has been especially profound on succeeding generations of scientists, those often charged with responsibility for the management of natural resources.

Each essay in "Aldo Leopold and the Ecological Conscience" is represented by scientists who were profoundly influenced by Aldo Leopold and thus their thinking about the natural world. The writers understand the value of the land ethic and shared experiences in nature illustrated in Leopold’s prose.

"We must never forget that both our economies and our happiness are dependent upon healthy landscapes. By reading Leopold, one gains a better understanding on how to have those discussions," said Knight.

"Aldo Leopold was a pioneer in discussions about human-land relations because of his belief that humans are not apart from the land," said Knight. His contributions include a chapter called "Aldo Leopold: Blending Conversations about Public and Private Lands," about the value of private land and the increasing concern over sprawl and quality of life.

Contributors to the book include Curt D. Meine, John Seidensticker, James A. Estes, Mary Anne Bishop, J. Baird Callicott, Reed Noss, Winifred B. Kessler, Annie L. Booth, Stephen R. Kellert, Jamie Rappaport Clark, L. David Mech, Edwin P. Pister and Jack Ward Thomas. All are respected for their conservation expertise.

Knight, who has been with Colorado State since 1989, also is co-editor of "The Essential Aldo Leopold," "A New Century for Natural Resources Management" and "Forest Fragmentation in the Southern Rocky Mountains."

The book signing is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Jade Creek Books at (970) 484-3019.