John Muir- Library of Congress                                         John Muir's National Homesite - Martinez, CA               John Muir - Library of Congress  
                                                                                                                 Photo - Adriana Ballinger       

“As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can." ~ John Muir

Thesis


John Muir was a major figure of the conservation movement, who, with his love of nature as a driving force, embarked on a lifelong journey immersed in the study and protection of the wilderness.  During his fight for the establishment of National Parks, he became a leader and inspired many prominent public figures through his eloquent writings on the nature he was trying to protect, even earning the title "Father of the National Parks." Although he encountered much opposition, Muir's legacy is very much apparent today in the National Parks throughout the country, and in his continuing influence on contemporary environmentalists.



Adriana Ballinger
Junior Individual Website
Word Count: 1,196
Word Count - Process Paper: 499
 Early Life