The Leopold Conservation Award Program recognizes agricultural landowners actively committed to a land ethic.

Presented by the Sand County Foundation and nationally sponsored by American Farmland Trust, the prestigious honor, which consists of $10,000 and a crystal award, is awarded to private landowners in 20 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers or forest landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” – Aldo Leopold