This presentation by historian Matthew Daley offers an in-depth examination of President Theodore Roosevelt's pivotal and complicated role in the development of the United States National Parks system. Dedicated to conservation, Roosevelt utilized the powers of the presidency to safeguard over 230 million acres of public land through the creation of national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges. The talk will explore the historical, political, and personal influences that shaped his environmental vision, as well as the lasting impact of his policies on American natural heritage. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of Roosevelt's enduring legacy in the stewardship of the nation's public lands.