Aldo Leopold was a forester and wildlife manager, outdoorsman, ecologist, philosopher, practical idealist, interpreter of nature, and pioneer in wilderness preservation. He taught an ethic of the land and through his teaching, writing, and example gave added depth, breadth, and insight to conservation. Overlooking the Gila Wilderness, which he helped establish as the first National Forest area so designated, he was honored as a founder of the Wilderness Society and for helping create the National Wilderness Preservation System.