Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

RES is proud to help bring to life the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL). This project not only honors the legacy of one of America’s most conservation-minded presidents but also sets a new standard for ecological stewardship and regenerative landscape design.

Set atop a plateau on the edge of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, North Dakota, the 40-acre site has been transformed into an immersive prairie experience. TRPL blends architecture into the badlands landscape, reconnects visitors with native ecosystems, and is positioned to inspire new generations to value the natural world.

A living landscape
RES led the seeding, planting, and irrigation for the full site, including the installation of one of the largest native green roofs in the United States. Spanning two acres and planted with more than 140,000 native plugs, the green roof was designed to disappear into the surrounding grasslands.

Our in-house nursery team and advisory services group have provided support throughout the project. When the project began, RES was given a list of plants to collect and custom-grow for the green roof and surrounding site. Seed was sourced from the TRPL site itself, along with permitted collection taking place in the Painted Canyon. RES collected, custom-grew, and installed 290,000 genetically sourced native plants for the site. The genetically appropriate plant material ensures that the historical ecology of the land will be preserved.

Built to the highest standards
In line with the Library’s commitment to sustainability, the project is pursuing the highest levels of certification:
• Living Building Challenge v4.0 Full Certification
• LEED BD+C v4.1 Platinum
• SITES v2 Platinum

Achieving these goals requires strict oversight. Sustainability reviews are required for all components. Materials like compost and landscape rock are required to be sourced locally, and nothing naturally occurring on the site may be removed.

Smart irrigation
To support plant establishment, we worked with Razor Edge Landscaping to install a carefully balanced irrigation system intended for phased use over the first three years. The green roof features 15-inch soil depths, which is remarkably deep for a rooftop system. The roof incorporates advanced soil moisture retention layers that reduce the need for supplemental irrigation as the vegetation becomes established.

Collaboration in conservation
The TRPL is a highly collaborative project involving world-class partners including Snøhetta, JE Dunn Construction, Confluence, JLG Architects, and Aloha Landscaping. RES’s role as subcontractor focuses on bringing ecological performance to the forefront of this historical monument.

TRPL in the news

Watch > The new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library | CBS News

Watch >Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library takes shape in North Dakota | designboom

Watch > Good Morning America Visits Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library | ABC

Read > Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening in North Dakota Badlands | CBS News

Read > Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is a miracle on the prairie | Grand Forks Herald