John Muir (21 April 1838 – 24 December 1914) was a Scottish-born American biologist.

He wrote books and really cared about wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books explain his

adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

His work helped to save the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is now one of the most

important conservation organizations in the United States. One of the most well-known hiking trails in the U.S., the 211-mile John Muir Trail, was named in his honor. Other places named in his honor are Muir Woods National Monument,

Muir Beach and Muir Glacier.

John Muir

• In his later life, Muir devoted most of his time to the preservation of the Western forests. He petitioned the U.S. Congress to help establish both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

• Because of the spiritual quality and enthusiasm toward nature expressed in his writings, he was able to inspire readers, including presidents and congressmen, to take action to help preserve large nature areas.

John Muir

John Muir Trust

• This is a the leading wild land conservation charity in the UK.

• Inspired by the work, spirit and legacy of John Muir, our members care passionately about wild places wherever they may be, and the diversity of life they support.

John Muir Award

• The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places. It encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.

• Anyone can spend 4 days completing the award.

conservation

The John Muir Trust protect 115,000 hectares of mountain, moorland, rugged coast and wooded glens across Scotland through ownership, partnership and with local communities.

John Muir

• John Muir was familiar with both reading and writing at an early age. He came from an educated family. During his lifetime he wrote over 300 articles and 10 books. He wrote for pleasure, to teach others of the beauty of nature, to keep in touch with loved ones and as a campaigner, fighting to preserve the wilderness.

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John Muir and the Sea

• As a small boy, John Muir loved to wander... along the seashore to gaze and wonder at the shells and seaweeds, eels and crabs in the pools among the rocks when the tide was low; and best of all to watch the waves in awful storms thundering on the black headlands and craggy ruins of the old Dunbar Castle

Education and John Muir

• John Muir received the best schooling that Dunbar could provide. In fact, he was so well drilled that the captain of their emigrant ship was astonished that Scotch boys could read and pronounce English with a perfect accent and knew so much Latin and French. John’s accomplishments were hard won.