John Muir
John Muir (April 21, 1838 - December 24, 1914) was one of the
first modern preservationists. His
letters, essays, and books
telling of his adventures in nature, and wildlife, especially
in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
of California, were read
by millions and are still popular today. His direct activism helped to save the Yosemite Valley and other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded,
is now one of the most important conservation organizations in the United States. His
writings and philosophy strongly influenced the
formation of the modern environmental movement.