Site 13
Leopold Benches - Sustainability and Environmental Friendliness
The Leopold benches are located on the concrete pad surrounding the windmill. We ask that you place them back at this location after use.
The benches in this area provide a new and unique environment for education at Goddard High School. Classes at GHS are welcome to have class outside using these benches. Students and visitors alike are able to rest here while visiting the O.W.L.S. area. They can use the space as a place to observe the nature around them while not disturbing the wildlife. It is also a great spot for bird-watching! Below is information about the bench's creator, Aldo Leopold, and tips for being more environmentally friendly.
These benches were built and placed by Kaylee Steel (GHS Class of 2023) as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award Project.
Aldo Leopold, who was considered to be the father of wildlife ecology, was a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast. Born in 1887 and raised in Burlington, Iowa, Leopold developed a love for nature at an early age. He spent his life working in environmental conservation. On April 21, 1948, Aldo Leopold died of a heart attack. After his death, in 1949, his essays were gathered into a book named A Sand County Almanac, and it was published. Soon after, this book sold more than two million copies, and now, it is one of the most respected books about the environment ever published. Aldo Leopold developed the famous land ethic idea, which calls for an ethical, caring relationship between people and nature. The idea expands the definition of community to include humans, plants, and animals, and it became the basis for many modern conservation efforts. The benches you see here are Leopold benches, created by Aldo Leopold as a symbol of a place to sit on the landscape as a revolutionary act of a conservationist. To build your own Leopold bench follow the plans here.
Viewers are welcome to do their own research, but below are some quick and easy tips to be more sustainable and kind to the environment. Take this information and practice it everywhere you go to help protect nature.
Here are some easy tips to being more sustainable and making a difference.
Buy products and clothing second-hand or from local sources like farmer's markets.
Shop for groceries in bulk, and take your own containers and bags when shopping.
Repair and upcycle things you own before you buy a replacement.
Trade single-use products, like straws and paper towels, for reusable alternatives.
Recycle if you can not reuse something.
Here are some easy tips to help your environment.
Volunteer for community cleanups or other services.
Plant a tree or other wildlife native to your area.
Leave a place cleaner than you found it.
Use fewer chemicals when cleaning or doing other things.
Conserve water by taking shorter showers or turning off the tap when it is not needed.
Reduce car use and use alternatives like biking or carpool.