John Muir: The Conservationist Who Saved California's Giant Redwoods

The Man

John Muir (1838–1914) – Scottish-born, Wisconsin-raised naturalist, writer, activist. "Father of the National Parks."

Yosemite Valley & Mariposa Grove (1890): Lobbied Congress → Yosemite National Park (protected sequoias, not coast redwoods).
Sequoia & General Grant (Kings Canyon) National Parks (1890): Directly saved giant sequoia groves.
Coast Redwoods: Co-founded Sierra Club (1892); advocated for Redwood National Park (est. 1968, post-humous victory).
Writing that moved presidents: Our National Parks (1901) read by Teddy Roosevelt → 1903 Yosemite camping trip → expanded federal protection.

Inspired National Park Service (1916).
Wilderness philosophy: "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
Millions of acres preserved through direct advocacy and the movement he sparked.

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