Incidentally, he was also part of a cohort of Ecological Society of America (ESA) members in the 1940s who wanted to see ESA take conservation action. This group of ecologists (after Leopold’s death) went on to form the organization that would later become The Nature Conservancy.

“Later in his career, Leopold shifted 180 degrees in his thinking, recognizing the key role predators play in a healthy ecosystem.”

Leopold shifted 90 degrees not 180. Instead of believing no predators was best he changed to careful predator management is best. There is a great disservice being done to Leopold and his moderate thoughts on wildlife by those who would use his esoteric essays and try to invest more in them than the man himself did.

“Some students of natural history want no predator control at all, while many hunters and farmers want as much as they can get up to complete eradication. Both extremes are biologically unsound….”

Above Aldo Leopold in his book Game Management written after his green fire moment that is touted so often.