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We're very excited to be bringing national reprisors Larry and Julia Marple back to Amana to talk about Teddy Roosevelt's dedication to National Parks and Conservation. We met Larry and Julia in North Dakota, and their passion for history shines thru with their performance. Tom Milligan, who will portray Ding Darling, is a natural historian with the same passion. So, combining these two shows of these two American legends (who also historically have a long lasting and impactful relationship) was a no brainer!

In this hour-long presentation, Jay N. "Ding" Darling visits with the audience in his 11th floor office at The Des Moines Register. Beginning with his early years in Sioux City, where he became aware of the natural world around him, as well as his developing skills as an editorial cartoonist, he reflects upon his remarkable life journey. His story continues to include 2 Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoons for The Register, and a remarkable career as a nationally known conservationist. From the introduction of The Duck Stamp to the creation of the National Wildlife Federation, Darling's influence was felt, not only through his cartoons, but through his actions as well. Considered by many to be one of the most influential members of the modern conservation movement in the first half of the 20th century, the impact of his work is still felt today.

Theodore Roosevelt describes how he felt about conservation and preservation throughout his life, how his family felt about it, and how he saved more than 200 million acres of land for future generations to enjoy.