"I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us."- Theodore Roosevelt
As people of faith, we view Creation as the glorious work of God. Stewardship of the land and wild places God has entrusted to our care is a critical part of our call to protect Creation. Preserving public lands helps us answer God's call to care of Creation by providing shared resources that nurture our communities. Public lands and wilderness care are central to maintaining the ecosystems that God created.
There are many ways to help protect public lands here in Texas. For starters, if you agree that protecting our lands and wilderness is essential to preserving and caring for God’s creation, please add your name to the "Religious Statement on Wilderness and Public Lands." Another great way to be involved is to join a National Public Lands Day service project--read on for more information.
National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is a national, hands-on, volunteer effort to improve and enhance America’s public lands. In 2010, NPLD will take place on September 25 and will educate volunteers about the effects of climate change on our land while celebrating service and recreation. NPLD engages volunteers of all ages to get to outdoors and improve our land, from the national parks to urban parks. NPLD volunteers are encouraged to explore and appreciate their local natural wonders through outdoor recreation.
Texas is blessed with countless wild and scenic parks and spaces that serve as constant reminders of the true beauty of Creation. From the Guadalupe Mountains at Big Bend to the Hill Country, Texas is rich with natural beauty. Currently there are 36 sites around the state participating in NPLD. If you are interested in participating in NPLD near you, check out the this searchable project list page. To learn more, visit the national NPDL website.
Our nation’s 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, recognized the need to protect and enjoy America’s lands. During President Roosevelt’s presidency, he protected approximately 230,000,000 acres of public land. President Roosevelt used his authority to protect wildlife and public lands by creating the U.S. Forest Service and establishing 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 4 National Game Preserves, 150 National Forests, 5 National Parks, and enabling the 1906 American Antiquities Act.
For Texans eager to learn more about our state’s National Park Service sites, wilderness areas and public lands there are thirteen National Park Service sites in the state. Of these sites, there is a presidential ranch, seashore, two recreation areas, a wild and scenic river, a national preserve, a fort, and a battlefield. Texas National Park Service sites include many Hispanic heritage sites and a center for the arts. If you are interested in visiting a state park, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has a great interactive map that allows you to find a state park near you. A list of the National Parks and Wildlife Centers you can visit in Texas is below. Let's enjoy and protect our natural lands!
National Parks of Texas
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Amistad National Recreation Area
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Lydon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Padre Island National Seashore
Palo Alto Battlelfield National Historic Site
Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Wildlife Centers
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center