Overview of John Muir

Naturalist and conservationist. Born in Dunbar, Muir emigrated with his family for Wisconsin (USA) in 1849, where he began to develop an interest in the natural world. He was the founder of the U.S. National Park system and regarded as the father of the modern environmental movement. Muir also formed the Sierra Club, dedicated to protecting the environment, and became its first president (1892). He was an early explorer of the Yosemite Valley and did much to ensure its protection.

Muir is remembered in the names of numerous physical features and educational institutions in the USA, together with the John Muir Country Park and John Muir Birthplace in his native Dunbar.

The John Muir Trust, which was a partner in the purchase and restoration of the Birthplace, was formed in 1983 for the preservation of Britain's wild places. The Trust owns and manages six estates in Scotland totalling 19,000 Ha (47,000 acres); namely Sconser, Strathaird and Torrin on the Isle of Skye, Schiehallion in Perth and Kinross, Sandwood in Sutherland and Knoydart.