There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm. “There is a delight in the hardy life of the open. Photo of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota by Gary Anderson, National Park Service. The Power of Nature The park that bears his name. Some are on display today in the Smithsonian. Creating a vast collection of specimens, he filled his boyhood home and adult estate with insect collections and mounted animals. His favorite activities included hiking, rowing, swimming, riding, bird-watching, hunting and taxidermy. Roosevelt was bookish and sickly as a child, but quickly discovered a passion for the outdoors.

Tiernan Photography.Īs the only president born in New York City, it may seem odd that Theodore Roosevelt is remembered as a nature enthusiast. In honor of his birthday, check out some great Roosevelt stories and quotes below.Ī Life Long Passion Roosevelt's library at his Sagamore Hill estate in New York displays many nature scenes, mounted animals and books on many topics. Along with others like John Muir and Rachel Carson, Roosevelt’s words and actions continue to affect how we approach and appreciate the natural world. There are six national park sites dedicated, in part or whole, to our conservationist president. Today, the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt is found across the country. After becoming president in 1901, Roosevelt used his authority to establish 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public land. Enthralled by nature from a young age, Roosevelt cherished and promoted our nation’s landscapes and wildlife. President Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most powerful voices in the history of American conservation.

President teddy roosevelt