The beauty of wild places

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” – John Muir

Muir, who was born in Scotland in 1838 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1849, was also known as "John of the Mountains.”  Author, environmental philosopher and early advocate for the preservation of our wilderness areas, his letters, essays, and books describing his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada, have been read by millions.

More than just a “naturalist,” Muir’s musings on nature and his writings about the roles that people must play in preserving our natural world – not only for our own enjoyment and the sake of the plants and animals, but also for future generations and our planet’s well-being – are still the standard followed by most Americans.    

                                      “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread,” Muir wrote,  “places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”

Next time you “take a hike” or just drink in the beauty of our amazing national parks – especially on this weekend where so many are doing just that – thank Muir for his vision and wisdom.  To learn more about Muir’s life and influence, visit the website http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/people/historical/muir/

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