By Tim Copeland
"A Sand County Almanac" by Aldo Leopold is a cornerstone text in environmental literature. It offers a profound, eloquent, and reflective account of the natural world and our relationship with it. First published in 1949, it has been reprinted many times since then. The book is divided into three sections, each offering a different perspective on ecology and conservation.
The book's first part, "A Sand County Almanac," provides a month-by-month account of the changes and natural processes that occur throughout the year on Leopold's property in the sand counties of Wisconsin. Through these vivid, meticulous observations, Leopold illustrates the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of each species to the ecosystem's overall health. Leopold became an astute student of the flora, fauna, and geology of his farm.
February, Good Oak is my favorite chapter in this section. It begins with the felling of an 80-year-old oak tree by lightning, followed by it being cut for firewood by a two-man crosscut saw. In each cut of the saw, it penetrates one or two of the tree’s growth rings. After every five-ring set has been penetrated, Leopold recounts the history of the farm during the years in which those rings developed. Working backward from 1945, the farm’s story is recounted until the tree’s birth in 1865. It’s a magical way to experience history.
The second section, "Sketches Here and There," broadens the perspective beyond Sand County to other regions of North America. Here, Leopold shares his experiences and reflections on wildlife and wilderness in places ranging from the Arizona desert to the forests of Quebec, highlighting the diversity and richness of the continent's environments.
The final section, "The Upshot," is where Leopold articulates his land ethic, a pioneering concept in environmental ethics. He argues that land should not be seen as a commodity to be exploited but as a community to which we belong. He urges respect for all living things and emphasizes the need for an ethical, sustainable relationship with the environment. In this 75-year-old treatise, Leopold discusses many of the tenets now taught in regenerative agriculture and agroecology courses. He was far ahead of his time.
Leopold's profound insights and the beauty of his writing are remarkable. His prose is poetic, capturing the essence of the natural world and conveying his deep respect and affection for it. Wendell Berry stands on Leopold’s shoulders.
“A Sand County Almanac" is more than just a book about nature; it's a call to action and a philosophical treatise on how humans should coexist with the land. It remains a vital read for anyone interested in conservation, ecology, or the natural world, offering timeless insights that are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.