Proclamation of John Muir Day, April, 2001

In 1898, John Muir appealed to his fellow Californians that "wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life." Nearly 90 years after his death, the evocative reflections of conservationist John Muir continue to inspire citizens of our state and nation to appreciate and protect our natural heritage.

John Muir immigrated to the United States from his native Scotland in 1849 and spent his early years as a carver, inventor, writer and explorer. After suffering an eye injury that left him blind for one month, he regained his sight and renewed his focus on the exquisite beauty of nature. Muir's wanderlust led him on a walking journey from the Midwest to the high country of the Sierra Nevada, where he eventually found his home.

An energetic explorer, writer, and naturalist, John Muir initiated the modern day conservationist movement by traveling the globe and encouraging people to protect places of unique beauty and wilderness. His life's work is celebrated in the splendor of Yosemite National Park, which he helped establish in 1890. The new California State Quarter honors the many contributions of John Muir, featuring his image against Yosemite's Half Dome.

Celebrated on his birthday, April 21, John Muir Day is an opportunity to recognize and respect the role of humankind in nature, and to promote conservation for our fulfillment and the benefit of future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 21, 2004, as "John Muir Day."