Leopold Scholars in Ecology and Ethics

Leopold Scholars in Ecology and Ethics recognizes rising III - V formers who are committed to sustainability, environmental ethics, service, and leadership during their Lawrenceville experience and beyond. The program immerses students in the writings and legacy of Lawrenceville alumnus Aldo Leopold, Class of 1905. In his landmark book A Sand County Almanac, Leopold writes about a Land Ethic that expands the boundaries of the community beyond humans to include soils, waters, plants, and animals.

Building on the concept of a Land Ethic, the program includes a two-week summer session, presenting at the Fall Academic Showcase, and playing a leadership role on the School's Sustainability Council to raise community awareness of waste reduction, habitat restoration, carbon emissions, environmental justice, and more.

Throughout the program, Scholars:

• Study water quality and water justice by researching area rivers, including the Shipetaukin Creek that flows through Lawrenceville's campus and connects with the Delaware River Watershed;
• partner with staff from the nearby water quality research organizations; and
• visit area farms to learn about sustainable agriculture, the connection between land and water health, and cooking with locally-grown produce.

"The Leopold Scholars Program is undoubtedly one of the capstones of my Lawrenceville education. My peers and I fully immersed ourselves in and reflected on our relationship with the great outdoors through water quality testing in nearby creeks and lakes, bike rides, farm visits, camping, and cooking. Partnering with nonprofit organizations like The Watershed Institute, we saw first-hand the impact of remediation tools such as floating wetlands and green infrastructure and conducted research which allowed us to view sustainability through the lens of environmental justice. This eye-opening experience highlighted the importance of our ethical duty to preserve and protect our environment and the urgency to amplify the dialogue and action that is needed to foster meaningful positive change."

Asprey Walters '24