New Approaches to Assessment

In conjunction with "The Land Ethic Reclaimed," a two-day Baraboo event that brings together hunters and chefs is co-sponsored by theWisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Aldo Leopold Foundation, a state conservation group. It features a hunt that pairs beginners with experienced hunters; workshops on using retriever dogs and learning outdoor survival skills; a demonstration of safe butchering; and a feast of venison and pheasant prepared by chefs. An independent bookstore will be on hand to sell cookbooks on locally sourced dishes, and several activities will be designed for families. UW–Madison faculty will also speak, placing the event in the context of conservation.

John Motoviloff, who works in the Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, will lead both the pheasant hunt and a wild-foods cooking seminar at the Baraboo event. He observed:

"Folks attending the event will likely be what we call in hunter recruitment and retention circles 'adult onset hunters.' These folks probably did not grow up with hunting as part of their family tradition, but they've found themselves drawn to it through their concern for sustainable food harvest. They are reinventing Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic and helping to reinvigorate the hunting community. If you had to pick one figure in Wisconsin who brings together these twin passions—profound concern for the environment and a love of hunting and wild things—Leopold is it. He is a bridge builder between public and private conservation worlds, between hunters and environmentalists. That the MOOC event takes place against the backdrop of the Leopold Farm and Shack in Baraboo—with the Leopold Foundation as a partner—is just perfect."

Stef Morrill, director of WiLS, appreciates the chance to bring relevant programming to statewide libraries via "Changing Weather and Climate in the Great Lakes Region":

"By not only focusing on information about climate change, but also by applying it to local concerns and providing ideas for personal action, this MOOC will give residents in the state and beyond the opportunity to have a better understanding of the topic and how they can personally effect change. The discussion sessions at the public libraries give another layer of personalization to this MOOC. Participants will be able to discuss this important topic with others in their community, identifying actions that can be taken by individuals and organizations in the community."