ALNC COMMUNITY ETHICS
Caring for ALL People and Their Relationship to Nature
We acknowledge the First Nations that came before us, specifically the Ho-Chunk Nation, on whose ancestral land the Aldo Leopold Nature Center sits.
In nature and society, diverse communities are healthier. We also know that we operate within societal systems that are too often unjust and flawed, and we all have work to do towards celebrating diversity and making our community equitable for everyone. We acknowledge this painful reality and share our support for all people who do not feel safe or welcome, especially those who continue to struggle against racism, inequality, and limited access. We see you. We see our community hurting from these injustices.
We turn to nature for solace and comfort. We also recognize that nature and other public spaces may not feel safe and healthy for all people. We are committed to supporting EVERY person’s right to connect with the natural world and to reap the benefits of spending time outdoors.
When we are inclusive in how we engage and educate, we help people know that NATURE IS FOR EVERYONE and should be a safe place to learn and explore. In recent years, we have been putting great efforts towards inclusion, diversity, equity, and access; we acknowledge that we have a long way to go, in our organization, in our field, and in our society. We are grateful for individuals, families, and partners who work with us to move in the right direction as we prioritize continuing this important work.
To learn more about our equity work, please visit our Community Ethics & Nature page.
As always, please contact us to let us know how we’re doing and to share ways we can better serve you, our community.
In solidarity,
The Aldo Leopold Nature Center Staff, Board, and Volunteers.
