Former First Lady Laura Bush Receives 2025 APEX Award for Conservation Efforts

Laura Bush Celebrated with 2025 APEX Award

The National Park Trust has commemorated former First Lady Laura Bush's dedication to conservation by presenting her with the 2025 American Park Experience (APEX) Award. This prestigious accolade acknowledges individuals or groups who have made substantial contributions to raising awareness and appreciation for America's public parks, lands, and waters.

Since its establishment in 2009, the APEX Award has honored remarkable efforts, and Laura Bush's lifelong commitment to conservation is a perfect embodiment of its mission. The award ceremony took place on March 28, 2025, where Laura was recognized for her passionate advocacy for the country's natural and cultural heritage.

During her time as First Lady, Mrs. Bush spearheaded various initiatives aimed at promoting environmental education and historic preservation. One notable program was the Preserve America Initiative, which sought to foster public engagement in conservation by supporting numerous projects across the nation. The initiative not only raised awareness of cultural heritage, but also provided essential funding for the preservation of historic sites and landscapes across America.

In addition to her initiatives in the White House, Laura Bush has continued her advocacy post-presidency. As the Honorary Co-Chair of the National Park Foundation's Century Campaign, she has actively worked to enhance park accessibility and encourage future generations to become stewards of public lands. Through these efforts, she has established vital connections within the community and has worked to innovate solutions to conserve Texas's natural resources.

One of her significant accomplishments is the founding of Texan by Nature, an organization focused on fostering partnerships between conservationists and business leaders to encourage sustainable practices and protect the state's wildlife habitats. The organization has made strides in promoting outdoor activities and recreation in Texas while advocating for ecological preservation.

Mrs. Bush's community projects are also notable; she played an instrumental role in transforming the George W. Bush Presidential Center into the Native Texas Park. This park features restored prairie landscapes and serves as an outdoor classroom for educational programs, helping to instill a love for nature in young people.

Her contributions extend into the literary realm as well, as seen in her children's book "In Our Great Big Backyard," co-authored with her daughter Jenna Bush Hager. This book serves as an engaging platform that encourages children to explore America’s natural parks and understand their importance.

Grace Lee, Executive Director of the National Park Trust, noted, "Laura Bush exemplifies the essence of the American Park Experience Award. Her impactful leadership over the years has greatly benefited not only the national parks but also Texas parks, inspiring countless others to explore and protect our cherished public lands."

Reflecting on her honor, Mrs. Bush expressed gratitude to the National Park Trust, highlighting the significance of educating children about environmental stewardship. "Teaching children about our land – how to protect it, respect it, plant it, and care for it – is essential for the future of our state, and our country," she said.

The APEX Award has previously recognized notable figures, including journalist Al Roker and filmmaker Jimmy Chin, reflecting a broad spectrum of advocates for public lands. Laura Bush's recognition is a testament to her enduring legacy in promoting and protecting the environment, ensuring that both current and future generations can enjoy the beauty of America's natural wonders.

For more about the American Park Experience Award, visit National Park Trust.

In essence, Laura Bush continues to inspire a commitment to conservation that goes beyond her role as First Lady, championing environmental efforts that impact communities across the nation.