John of the Mountains

John Muir was an influential Scottish-American naturalist who advocated for the preservation of important wildlife sites in the United States, including some of the most beloved wilderness areas such as Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Park. More importantly, he has shaped our relationship with the natural world through his work as a thinker and spokesperson for environmental consciousness.



Without delving too deeply into unnecessary details: he was born on April 21, 1838, in Dunbar, Scotland. His strict father worked him in the fields, where he gradually gained a love for the outdoors, in addition to becoming something of an inventor in his early years (even going to the state fair with his inventions). After suffering an eye injury in 1867, he saw his life's purpose in a new light, prompting him to walk thousands of miles through fields and woods, eventually settling upon California as his home. There, Sierra Nevada and Yosemite claimed his interest: waist-high wildflowers, beautiful mountain chains, and living glaciers abounded. A series of articles he wrote about the Sierras in 1874 launched his career as an author and made his name known across the country.

More importantly than his biographical milestones, he has left a lasting impact in terms of the preservation of national landmarks, and Western forests in particular. He petitioned for the passage of the National Park bill passed in 1890, and his actions inspired prominent politicians to fight for the conservation of nature as well. He is even referred to as the "Father of the National Parks" for all his efforts to save them from being gotten rid of for commercial purposes. He not only worked tirelessly to save these monuments of beauty; he himself typified man's relationship with nature, and that is what set him apart from other naturalists.

Sources:
http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/life/muir_biography.aspx
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