Contact: Steph Sabo
Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau
sabo@visitmadison.com or 608.441.3958
Madison, known for its commitment on green initiatives and dedication to environmental forward thinking was represented by the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) Jeff Holcomb at a history making meeting as the daughter’s of two environmental legacies met for the first time.
Jeff, joined by Tia Nelson, daughter of Gaylord Nelson, former Wisconsin governor and U.S. Senator and founder of Earth Day headed to the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center to explore the roots of Wisconsin’s rich environmental history and to meet Nina Leopold Bradley, the daughter of famed environmentalist Aldo Leopold .
They were greeted by Buddy Huffaker, the Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, who toured them around the campus. The Leopold Center mission is to share how people can use energy more efficiently and develop positive relationships with others and the planet, has received Platinum LEED® Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, meets all of its energy needs onsite, is the first carbon neutral building certified by LEED and was built using only locally-harvested wood products. >From the Center they walked to a spot where a plaque commemorates the essay Good Oak and read passages from A Sand County Almanac, a book that calls for a Land Ethic to communicate the true connection between people and the natural world and was touted as the “bible” for the 20th century environmental movement.
After the tour they visited the home of Nina Leopold Bradley, the daughter of Aldo Leopold, famed University of Wisconsin environmentalist, author of A Sand County Almanac and widely considered the father of wildlife ecology. They exchanged family stories and insights over lunch.
Madison’s intellectual and emotional atmosphere has fostered a rich tradition in environmental stewardship that brings to light the generous contributions of dedicated community members like Tia Nelson and Nina Leopold Bradley. Madison’s commitment to sustainability practices helps carry on the environmental legacy.
