Laura Bush was born on November 4, 1946, in Midland, Texas, to Harold and Jenna Welch. Inspired by her second grade teacher, she earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Southern Methodist University in 1968. She taught in public schools in Dallas and Houston. In 1973, she earned a master of library science degree from the University of Texas at Austin and worked as a public school librarian. In 1977, she met and married George Walker Bush. They are the parents of twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, who are named for their grandmothers.
A hiking and camping enthusiast, Laura Bush enjoys the great outdoors. She helped to start Preserve America, a national preservation initiative to protect US cultural and natural heritage. She highlights preservation efforts across the country and encourages Americans to get involved in preserving main streets, parks, and community treasures. At the family’s ranch in Crawford, Mrs. Bush has replanted native grasses to preserve the natural Texas landscape.
