Leopold Conservation Award

In his influential book, A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. The development of a land ethic was, he wrote, “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.” A land ethic is alive and well today in the thousands of American farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who improve soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat.

Sand County Foundation proudly presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners dedicated to leaving their land better than how they found it. They exemplify the spirit of Leopold’s land ethic. In Illinois, Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award in partnership with American Farmland Trust, and state partners: IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association. The Leopold Conservation Award recipient receives $10,000 and a crystal award.

Leopold Conservation Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation, inspire other landowners through their example, and help the general public understand the vital role private landowners play in conservation success.

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