Sacramento, California - Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 21, 2019 as “John Muir Day” in the State of California.

PROCLAMATION

John Muir, a Scottish immigrant, helped blaze a trail for “America’s best idea.” Born on this day in 1838, Muir would grow up to be a noted writer, naturalist and conservationist whose collaboration with President Theodore Roosevelt made possible the National Park System.

Muir’s lifelong commitment to preserving our natural wonders was forged in California. He chose to make California his home in 1868 after a journey to the Sierra Nevada, which he called, “the most divinely beautiful of all the mountain chains I have ever seen.” Living and working in Yosemite, Muir conducted important geological research that enhanced our understanding of how these awe-inspiring formations came to be.

Muir co-founded the Sierra Club, a conservation organization that continues to champion our environment to this day, and advocated for an act of Congress in 1890 to establish Yosemite National Park. It is thanks to visionaries like Muir that people from all over the world can visit these inspiring locations today.

In honor of John Muir’s life and legacy, I urge all Californians who are able to get outside today to “climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” Let us recommit to his vision of preserving our state’s treasures for generations to come.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 21, 2019, as “John Muir Day.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 19th day of April 2019.

GAVIN NEWSOM

Governor of California

ATTEST:

ALEX PADILLA

Secretary of State