Sustainability Committee begins book and lecture series

A Sand County Almanac: And Sketches Here and There,” by Aldo Leopold, will be discussed at the Pound Ridge Sustainability Committee’s new Book Club and Lecture Series.

By NEAL RENTZ

The Pound Ridge Sustainability Committee will begin a Book Club and Lecture Series on Jan. 27 at the Pound Ridge Library.

Committee member Bill Hewitt said book clubs were a popular way for people to connect. The committee “thought this program would be an excellent tool for engagement for people who care about the world they live in and want to understand what’s happening, why it matters and what we can do next,” he said. 

“We hope this program will help broaden and deepen our community’s understanding of nature, climate and our shared responsibility for the planet by exploring some classic works of environmental writing, as well as looking at new, important works by leading writers and activists,” Hewitt said. 

The library at 271 Westchester Ave. has been an important part of the committee’s initiative.

“The Pound Ridge Public Library is not only a co-sponsor of this program but is instrumental in publicizing it as well as providing a workable space and the audiovisual tech to allow our guest speakers, many of whom are not in this part of the world, to enhance our understanding,” he said.

The first program in the series, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, will focus on “A Sand County Almanac: And Sketches Here and There,” by Aldo Leopold. Leading the discussion, via Zoom, will be Buddy Huffaker, executive director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation. 

The book “uses science, history, humor and prose to communicate the connection between people and the natural world,” Hewitt said. 

As stated on the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s website, Leopold’s idea of the land ethic was to “champion both tangible and philosophical transformations for those dedicated to conservation, promoting responsible land stewardship and safeguarding our natural community.” 

“Aldo Leopold was not only a brilliant ecologist but an exceptional writer as well,” Hewitt said. “His book is a classic, translated into 15 languages and a touchstone for the modern environmental movement.” 

Hewitt said Huffaker is a world-renowned expert on Leopold’s work and its impact.

Hewitt outlined the format of the book talks. 

“We will have an expert guest speaker kickstart the evening’s discussion with their perspectives, then we will spend the balance of the evening going over our impressions of the book and its implications for our community’s sustainability agenda,” he said. 

Those seeking to attend the book talks do not have to live in Pound Ridge and admission is free, Hewitt noted. The program will be conducted every other month, he noted. 

The second installment in the series, on March 24, will be “Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization,” by writer/activist Bill McKibben. 

Sustainability Committee Co-Chair Nicole Shaffer said those who want to attend the event can register at the library’s website. Go to poundridgelibary.org and then the calendar line for Jan. 27. Registration is appreciated but not required. To find the book club webpage go to townofpoundridge.gov and search “book club.”