Restoring the Wild: The Restoration of Leopold’s Preserve

Join Park Manager Nick Davis for an inspiring guided walk through Leopold’s Preserve and discover the story of its remarkable landscape. As you explore forest trails and open meadows, Nick will share fascinating insights into the land’s history, recent restoration efforts, and exciting future plans—and you’ll discover how you can contribute to its ongoing renewal.

This program will take place entirely outdoors and will involve walking about 1.5 miles on natural-surface trails. Please dress for the weather and wear suitable walking shoes. This event is suitable for ages 12 and up.

Life is a lot like music — rich with tone and texture. To appreciate music fully, you must hear the beginning, middle, and end of a song. To appreciate life, whether it be animal life, plant life, or even the life of an organization, you need to know about its past, present, and future. Together, these elements blend to provide a balanced overview and create harmony.

This is the story of Leopold’s Preserve, a privately funded nature sanctuary dedicated to conservation. The staff see themselves as catalysts for change, committed both to tackling conservation issues and to educating others about the importance of collective action for native wildlife.

Our mission at Leopold’s Preserve is to restore and protect this essential ecosystem for future generations. Through careful land stewardship, we aim to increase biodiversity by creating more vibrant woodlands, reintroducing native plants, and supporting the return of wildlife that depend on these habitats. You’ll see firsthand how removing invasive species makes space for native plants to thrive. You’ll also discover how managing the woodlands to boost native tree diversity creates healthier, more resilient habitats for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious learner, or someone eager to make a positive difference in your community, this program will deepen your connection to the land—and inspire you anew to help protect it.