Tracing the People Who Founded the Country, and What They Believed About Land, Soil, & Stewardship

Matt Matern just wrapped up his “250 for 250” series with a question that feels surprisingly urgent:

What did America’s founders actually believe about the environment?

Most of us know Thomas Jefferson as the author of the Declaration of Independence. But on July 4, 1776—the very day America declared its independence—Jefferson also recorded the day’s temperature in a weather journal. He would continue doing that for nearly 50 years.

George Washington wasn’t just a general and president. He abandoned tobacco because it depleted the soil, pioneered crop rotation, experimented with compost, and believed restoring the land was more honorable than conquering it.

Their writings reveal something unexpected: the founders didn’t just value freedom—they valued stewardship.

But they also made one enormous mistake.

They believed America’s natural abundance was limitless.

For generations, that assumption seemed true. There was always more land, more forests, more rivers, more resources. Today we know better. Healthy soil, clean water, stable climates, and thriving ecosystems all have limits.

What’s even more surprising is what the founders didn’t include in the Constitution. While it protects speech, religion, and property, it says nothing about a right to clean air, clean water, or a healthy environment.

That omission is beginning to change.

Matt explores the growing Green Amendments movement, including the landmark Montana case where 16 young people successfully argued that their constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment” includes a stable climate.

The episode isn’t about rejecting America’s founding ideals. It’s about finishing them.

It’s a thoughtful look at how history, environmental stewardship, and constitutional rights intersect—and what responsibility each generation inherits.

If you’ve enjoyed the 250 for 250 series, this final episode brings it full circle.

🎧 Listen to Episode 250: “The Founders Loved the Land… and Left One Thing Unfinished.”