Leopold Week 2026 to Feature Healing Trio of Virtual Speakers

Alexis Nikole Nelson, Dr. Jennifer Grenz, and Dr. Dacher Keltner to headline annual celebration of Aldo Leopold's land ethic

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Aldo Leopold Foundation has announced the lineup of virtual speakers for Leopold Week 2026, which will be held March 10-12 under the theme "Explore Landscapes of Healing." The three-day speaker series will feature forager Alexis Nikole Nelson (@TheBlackForager), ecologist Dr. Jennifer Grenz, and emotion researcher Dr. Dacher Keltner, who will share insights on the healing power of the natural world.

Why it matters

Leopold Week is an annual celebration of the legacy of conservationist Aldo Leopold and his concept of the "land ethic." The event aims to inspire people to develop a deeper connection with the natural world and become better stewards of the land. This year's focus on healing is particularly timely as the world continues to grapple with the personal and ecological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The details

The Leopold Week 2026 speaker series will take place virtually, allowing participants from around the world to attend. On March 10, Dr. Jennifer Grenz will discuss her journey to reconcile Western science with indigenous worldviews to find a path toward ecological healing. The following day, Alexis Nikole Nelson will share the joy of foraging wild foods, medicines, and fibers. The series will conclude on March 12 with Dr. Dacher Keltner exploring how experiencing awe in nature can make us happier, kinder, and better stewards of the land.

  • The Leopold Week 2026 speaker series will take place March 10-12.
  • Last year's Land EthicLive! programs attracted more than 20,000 registered participants from 50 states and 49 countries.

The players

Alexis Nikole Nelson

A chef, forager, and social media influencer known as @TheBlackForager.

Dr. Jennifer Grenz

An ecologist who will discuss her journey to reconcile Western science with indigenous worldviews.

Dr. Dacher Keltner

A leading scholar in the study of emotions who will share how experiencing awe in nature can make us happier and kinder.

Buddy Huffaker

The Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation.

Aldo Leopold

The renowned conservationist and author of "A Sand County Almanac," whose legacy is celebrated during Leopold Week.

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What they’re saying

“The Leopold Week Speaker Series now reaches people inhabiting the lands of all continents. Wherever you are, it's easy to join these world-class voices who will show you the healing power of the natural, wild, and free!”

— Buddy Huffaker, Leopold Foundation Executive Director

“One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.”

— Aldo Leopold (A Sand County Almanac)

What’s next

Individuals can register now to virtually attend the Aldo Leopold Foundation's 2026 Leopold Week speaker series at https://www.aldoleopold.org/news-and-events/land-ethic-live.

The takeaway

Leopold Week 2026 will provide a timely exploration of the healing power of the natural world, inspiring participants to deepen their connection to the land and become better stewards of the environment during a period of personal and ecological challenges.