As we celebrate Earth Day today we should look back on the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, often hailed as the “Conservation President.”
Theodore Roosevelt was a pioneer in the conservation movement, whose efforts fundamentally shaped the nation’s approach to preserving its natural heritage. Roosevelt’s tenure was marked by an unprecedented commitment to environmental conservation, during which he established the United States Forest Service and signed into law the Antiquities Act of 1906, granting the President the authority to designate national monuments. He used this power extensively, safeguarding approximately 230 million acres of public land through the creation of 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments.
His actions were not only aimed at protecting landscapes and wildlife but also at ensuring that natural resources were managed under the principles of sustainability for public benefit. Roosevelt’s environmental legacy is vast, encompassing the protection of vast wilderness areas, the promotion of conservation as a national value, and the establishment of a framework for the stewardship of America’s natural resources that has endured and evolved over more than a century.
Test Your Knowledge About Theodore Roosevelt’s Environmental Legacy
In an exciting leap forward in the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, a momentous milestone: the first steel beam has been hoisted into place.
Every aspect of the TRPL project is rooted in its core values of citizenship, leadership, and conservation, including the planning, construction, and environmental legacy of the Library building itself.
With these considerations, the TRPL has chosen to pursue full Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification. The project’s design’s sustainable ambition can be best divided into four categories: Zero Energy, Zero Water, Zero Emissions, and Zero Waste.
🌼 Spring is here! Are you looking for fun and educational ways to engage your kids or grandkids? 🌱 Download the “Rangers Wanted” game from the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library! Dive into exciting adventures that not only entertain but also teach the conservation principles championed by T.R. himself. Perfect for young explorers eager to learn about protecting our planet. 🌏💚 Let’s make learning about conservation a thrilling journey for the next generation!
The team captured this amazing photo this past April 8th of a partial eclipse over Medora as our crane rises into the sky.
Mark your calendars for August 23, 2044 as Medora will be the sight for a total eclipse that year. Imagine being able to see the skies go dark during the day from our green roof overlooking the Badlands?
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Thank you for your continued support of the TR Library!
Ed O’Keefe
Chief Executive Officer
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation
Join us in the arena!
We’re making great progress towards our grand opening in Summer of 2026 but we still have a ways to go to raise the funds needed to complete construction. Please take a moment and learn how you can support our work, become a founding sponsor of TR’s Library and leave a legacy for your family.