SITES Certificate
LIVING WITH THE LAND
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will not only sit within the Badlands—it will live with them. By pursuing SITES certification, the Library grounds are being treated as a living system, carefully restored and managed to reflect the natural cycles of the prairie. From prescribed fire and adaptive grazing to the control of invasive species, the landscape strategy echoes both ecological science and the traditions of those who came before. Minimal site disturbance—narrow boardwalks, elevated paths, and thoughtful placement of trails—allows visitors to experience the landscape while protecting its most sensitive areas.
Every detail supports long-term resilience. Green roofs and stormwater basins provide ecological surfaces that filter water and create habitat, while maintenance practices avoid pesticides and minimize irrigation. Across the site, interpretive signage and educational opportunities invite visitors to understand how prairie restoration, native plants, and regenerative land management all play a role in the Library’s story. In this way, SITES ensures the Library grounds are not just preserved, but actively contribute to the ecological health and beauty of the Badlands.