Nature and the Environment

Topical Reference Page

refer to caption — *The Pacific Coast Rainforest stamps*

Find resources about nature and the environment on the National Postal Museum's website.

About U.S. Stamps - 1956 Wildlife Conservation Issues

Exhibition

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stamp art painting featuring several flowers in blooms

Beautiful Blooms

October 20, 2017 - July 14, 2019

Exhibition

Flowering Plants on Stamps
This exhibition highlighted the variety of flowering plants commemorated on US postage stamps during the past 50 years and explored artistic themes that emerged during this period.

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About U.S. Stamps - Flora & Fauna Issue (1988-2001)

Exhibition

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Art of the Stamp - Flora and Fauna

Exhibition

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America’s Mailing Industry - Forest Products and Paper Manufacturing

Exhibition

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Glorious Flight

Exhibition

The Jeanette C. Rudy Duck Stamp Collection
The lovely, alluring duck stamps have captivated many collectors, including Jeanette Cantrell Rudy. The indomitable Mrs. Rudy, however, occupies a niche all her own. Over a fifty-year span, she assembled the hobby’s foremost collection. This exhibit features a sampling of the collection’s premier items, including the first duck stamp ever sold, errors, artist-signed issues, and remarques.

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People and Places of the Pacific - Heritage and Landscape

Exhibition

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Mexico Via Airmail - Nature and Technology

Exhibition

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President Truman Dedicates Everglades National Park

Exhibition

On December 6, 1947, President Harry Truman dedicated the Everglades National Park in the state of Florida, protecting more than 2,000 square miles of wetlands and wildlife. In celebration of this event, the National Postal Museum has created this mini-exhibit showcasing the history and wildlife of one of America’s most unique treasures.

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Stamp Stories: Fiddler Crabs

Discover how the topics of fiddler crabs, tropical biodiversity, and the Panama Canal are all connected with this fully bilingual video (English/Spanish).

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Giant Panda stamp featuring an illustration of a panda chewing on a branch

Stamp Stories: Giant Pandas

Celebrate fifty years of giant pandas at the Smithsonian! Educators from the National Postal Museum and the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute highlight giant panda facts and history with photos, a children’s book, and postage stamps.

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37-cent Pacific Coral Reef pane of ten stamps

Stamp Stories: Ocean

Just for Kids! Dive into an underwater exploration with special guest Carol Kaufmann, author of the book Ocean.

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Related Blogs

This blue Panama Canal Zone 5 cent stamp depicts a map of the country of Panama.

A Stamp that Changed History: How the Panama Canal was Almost the Nicaragua Canal

10.26.2020

Never underestimate the power of a stamp! Postage stamps not only have the ability to document history, they can also change it. In fact, one such Nicaraguan stamp changed both American and world history by playing a role in the completion of the Panama Canal.

Learn more About A Stamp that Changed History: How the Panama Canal was Almost the Nicaragua Canal

An Alaskan Brown Bear stamp and an Iiwi stamp

Stamps in Context: An Investigation into the 1987 North American Wildlife Issue

08.13.2018

Just over 30 years ago, the United States Postal Service (USPS) unveiled The North American Wildlife Issue at the 1987 Canadian Association for Philatelic Exhibition (CAPEX). This 50 pane series features the work of renowned wildlife artist Chuck Ripper and with beautiful accuracy showcases the diverse wildlife populations in North America. It commemorates and highlights the animals that make our National Parks and backyards a stunning and lively landscape.

Learn more About Stamps in Context: An Investigation into the 1987 North American Wildlife Issue

Lady Bird Johnson: Her Legacy and Her Stamps

06.22.2018

Reflecting on her years in the White House, Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson, wrote in her diary: “…Using the White House as a podium---hopefully---to thank, to applaud, to advertise, to rally citizens to action in improving our environment, gives me joy.” This statement characterizes her style and political determination which she cultivated over decades alongside her husband while he served in the U.S. Congress, as Vice President, and as President.

Learn more About Lady Bird Johnson: Her Legacy and Her Stamps