Have a seat, and we’ll tell you. A Leopold bench is simple and sturdy, with a slanted, wooden back and wide seat that you can sit on forward or backward. And yes, it absolutely has to do with Aldo Leopold. The renowned ecologist and first research director of the UW Arboretum designed the bench in the 1930s from materials found near the banks of his family’s retreat along the Wisconsin River. Built with just a few pieces of lumber and a handful of straightforward cuts, the bench is intentionally easy to make.  Leopold intended the benches to live outdoors year-round, weather naturally, and become part of the landscape. He never patented the design or tried to profit from it, leaving the plans free for anyone to build or adapt. Today, Leopold benches can be found in parks, gardens, and backyards all around the world, inviting people to slow down and enjoy nature. Ready to build your own? 

Support future generations of Badgers with a gift to the WAA Scholarship Fund.