Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Land Ethic

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

1. The Land Ethic Marker

Inscription. The ideas of University of Wisconsin ecologist Aldo Leopold provided the intellectual and philosophical foundation for the discipline of wildlife ecology. His 1948 book of essays, A Sand County Almanac, gave form and voice to the land ethic that undergirds modern concepts of environmental sustainability. He fostered the idea that land is more than a commodity, that nature is a human trust, and that there is inherent value in wilderness and wild things. Through his land ethic and by advocating wilderness preservation, Leopold developed a philosophical blueprint for bringing human affairs into greater harmony with the natural world.

Erected 2001 by UW Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Environment. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 43° 4.519′ N, 89° 24.78′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Linden Drive and Babcock Drive, on the right when traveling west on Linden Drive. The marker is in front of the Russell Laboratories Building on the University of Wisconsin campus. Touch for map. Marker is at

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or near this postal address: 1630 Linden Drive, Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Disease-Resistant Plants (within shouting distance of this marker); First Reliable Test of Milk Quality (within shouting distance of this marker); Mass Production of Penicillin (within shouting distance of this marker); Genetically Superior Crops (within shouting distance of this marker); Vitamin D Production Ends Rickets (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scientific Approach to Agriculture (about 600 feet away); Discovering Vitamins and Trace Minerals (about 600 feet away); Discovery of Vitamins A and B (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Also see . . . Aldo Leopold - Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 3, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

2. The Land Ethic Marker

The marker is under the trees in front of the Russell Laboratories Building on the University of Wisconsin campus.

Agricultural Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

3. Agricultural Hall

According to the UW web site, "Built in 1902, Agricultural Hall was designed as the administrative and research home of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The building remains almost entirely unmodified and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985."

Auditorium and Library, Hall of Agriculture image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

4. Auditorium and Library, Hall of Agriculture

The back entrance to Agricultural Hall.

Detail on Agricultural Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

5. Detail on Agricultural Hall

Symbol of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 786 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on July 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.