As a boy, Theodore Roosevelt (RO-zuh-velt) loved nature.
He even started a natural history collection at home. One day, his mother might find field mice in a chest. His father could come upon a snake swimming in a water pitcher. A friend might be surprised by a snapping turtle tied to the leg of a sink.
Later in life, Roosevelt traveled in wilderness areas. He loved the wilderness. Roosevelt became president of the United States in 1901. He used his power to protect forests. He wanted the land kept wild for people to enjoy in the future.
