Celebrating 250 Years of Wildlife and Wild Places in the U.S.

Posted June 18, 2026 by Kyra Back

What do you think of when you hear the song “America the Beautiful”? All over the world, and from sea to shining sea, we are known for some of the rarest and most beautiful ecosystems in our country. Some of the most majestic and diverse places are here in the United States. Many of our wild places are preserved within national parks, national marine monuments, national battlefields and wildernesses. In addition, over half of national park locations commemorate people, events and activities that are key to our nation’s history.

cougars sleeping

Theodore Roosevelt had a passion to preserve wildlife and wild places for the people of the United States, and future generations. Among his accomplishments as president, he was able to establish public lands including 150 national forests, the first 55 federal bird reservation and game preserves, five national parks, and the first 18 national monuments. He also started the U.S. Forest Service. These numbers have only grown over time to create a list of our most awe-inspiring places. They serve as crucial connections to wildlife and are an integral key to our health. In 1907, Roosevelt declared: “The conservation of natural resources is the fundamental problem. Unless we solve that problem, it will avail us little to solve all others.”

bald eagle

To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s horticulture team is highlighting a few species of wildlife that live alongside us and call these beautiful wild places home. Look for flower beds and flower containers that are planted with red, white and blue flowers near the carousel, Swan Lake bridge, Cat Canyon, Bear Ridge and Sea Otter Coast and the picnic shelters near the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW). Each area contains a sign highlighting plants or animals that live in U.S. public lands. At each of these locations, you can learn more about these species and how we can better coexist with them.

We partner with programs that protect and conserve these species and more. When you are visiting the Zoo, or public parks and lands, be sure to treat them with respect so future generations will be able to enjoy them as well.

More information on Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden programs:

Animals, Conservation, Horticulture, Plants,