Protecting America's National Treasures and Natural Resources

Mrs. Bush's Leadership Helps Protect Our National Parks, Oceans, and Coastal Resources

President and Mrs. Bush Are Working To Preserve Our National Parks For The Benefit Of Future Generations 

Mrs. Bush promotes stewardship and pride in our National Parks.  Mrs. Bush encourages Americans to appreciate and protect our country's national treasures and natural resources.  Mrs. Bush has visited more than 31 National Parks and Historic Sites throughout the United States and participated in more than 45 events in support of America's Parks.

• The National Parks Centennial Initiative announced by President Bush and championed by Mrs. Bush will help ensure another century of conservation, preservation, and enjoyment of America's National Parks.  On October 14, 2007, the National Park Foundation, with its Honorary Chair Mrs. Bush, convened the historic National Park Foundation Leadership Summit on Partnership and Philanthropy in Dallas, Texas.  Over the next 10 years, this effort will fund significant improvements to our National Parks that will enhance family experiences by adding visitor services and restoring historic and cultural sites for public enjoyment.  This summit united public and private partners in a national dialogue about the future of America's parks. 

Mrs. Bush Encourages Young People Across The Country To Visit And Learn About America's National Parks 

The National Park Service's Junior Ranger program introduces young people to America's national parks and historic sites.  Through the program, which currently operates across the country in 297 of our National Parks and on the Internet at www.webrangers.com, Junior Rangers learn lessons about history, culture, and science, as well as respect for nature and an appreciation for our role in protecting it. 

• As First Lady, Mrs. Bush joins park rangers and parents in recognizing children who have successfully completed the Junior Ranger program.  Each year, more than 425,000 children and their families participate in Junior Ranger activities to explore the parks and earn their Junior Ranger badge. 

In October 2007, Mrs. Bush launched the First Bloom program, a new conservation education effort by the National Park Foundation in honor of Lady Bird Johnson's conservation legacy.  The program relies on the expertise of the National Park Foundation, the National Park Service, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to teach young people about the science of native plants and encourage them to be good stewards of our national parks and our environment.  First Bloom introduces children, particularly those in urban environments, to national parks near their homes where, in a protected environment, they experience and learn about the plant species native to their area.  Park rangers teach the children about soil, seed cultivation, and the environmental benefits of healthy habitats.  Then the Rangers visit the children in their neighborhoods to help them design, plant and care for their own native plant garden.

Mrs. Bush Champions Conservation And Protection Of Our Oceans And Coastal Resources 

President and Mrs. Bush are working to reduce marine debris, which affects our marine ecosystems and the living resources that inhabit them.  An estimated 6.4 million tons of marine debris litter the world's oceans and coasts, and continue to harm our marine environment, natural resources, public safety, and economy.  To combat the problem, the Administration is increasing public awareness and education, partnering with regional and local leaders, and leading the global effort to promote the annual International Coastal Cleanup in 100 countries around the world. 

• Mrs. Bush launched a new Marine Debris Initiative in November 2007.  This effort strengthens public and private efforts to clean up debris, educate the public about recycling and trash disposal, and to work with our international partners to reduce marine debris from entering the ocean. 



• In May 2008, Mrs. Bush toured a protected marine area off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.  After touring the famous coral reefs, Mrs. Bush praised ecotourism efforts, which preserve the world's coastal treasures. 

Mrs. Bush promotes ocean literacy and education to enhance America's coastal stewardship.  In public statements, editorials, and interviews, Mrs. Bush advocates efforts to educate and involve the citizens in protecting our Nation's coastal and ocean ecosystems. 

Mrs. Bush highlighted the importance of native culture and resource protection.  During her visit to Midway Atoll in 2007, Mrs. Bush announced the native Hawaiian name – Papahanaumokuakea – for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument established by President Bush in June 2006. 

For more information, please visit
www.nps.gov and www.nationalparks.org