Theodore Roosevelt: Conservation and National Parks — Reading Comprehension

Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States. He loved being outdoors and cared deeply about nature. As a child, he was often sick. He found comfort in reading about animals and exploring the woods. These early experiences helped him become a strong leader for conservation later in life.

When Roosevelt became president in 1901, he saw that many forests and wild places were being destroyed. People were cutting down too many trees and hunting animals until some were almost gone. Roosevelt believed it was important to protect nature for both people and wildlife. He once said, “The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired in value.”

Roosevelt made it his mission to save America’s lands. He created the United States Forest Service in 1905. This group helped care for forests and made sure they would last for years. He also signed laws to create five national parks, including Crater Lake and Wind Cave. These parks became safe places for animals and plants. He protected over 230 million acres of land. Because of Roosevelt, people today can visit beautiful places like Yellowstone and Yosemite.

Roosevelt worked with other leaders, like naturalist John Muir, to learn more about the land. Together, they showed the country how important it was to take care of the earth. Roosevelt’s choices helped all Americans. He showed that one person can make a big difference in protecting nature.

Conservation became a new word for saving forests, rivers, and animals. It means taking care of the land so that future generations can enjoy it too.

Interesting Fact: Roosevelt was the first president to ride in a car, fly in an airplane, and dive in a submarine!

Who was the 26th President?

What did Roosevelt love as a child?

How many national parks did Roosevelt create?

Why did Roosevelt protect wild places?

What does conservation mean?

Who did Roosevelt work with to protect nature?

Roosevelt was the first president to ride in a car.

What is a national park?