By Andra Moss

On Sunday, March 8, 20 members of the Norfolk community will come together at the Norfolk Library to read selections from visionary conservationist Aldo Leopold’s book, “A Sand County Almanac.” The event is made possible by a grant from the Aldo Leopold Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to carrying forward Leopold’s environmental legacy.

A foundational work of conservation literature, Leopold’s collection of poetic and philosophical essays, published posthumously in 1949, has captivated generations of readers with its rich mix of history, humor, science and lyrical prose. Musings such as “March: The Geese Return” and “September: Choral Copse” inspire readers to understand how the natural world works and to care for all wild things. “Leopold’s sketches are amazing,” enthuses Ann Havemeyer, director of the Norfolk Library, “and I think the audience will be totally engaged.”

The book culminates in the influential essay “The Land Ethic,” in which Leopold calls for an ethical, caring relationship between people and nature. He writes, however, that “Nothing so important as an ethic is ever written…it evolves in the minds of a thinking community.”

Norfolk’s community reading will be part of a national “Leopold Week” series of events. It is modeled after readings held in Madison, Wisc., home of the Leopold Foundation, which have been ongoing for 25 years. Community Outreach Coordinator Bina Thomson notes that the Norfolk Library event is “likely to be the first Leopold reading in Connecticut and potentially even the first of its kind in New England.” The event, scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m., is free and open to the public and all are invited to stop in for any portion of the program. A Q&A and refreshments will close out the program. Copies of the book are available at the library.