Muir, John (1838–1914)

Scottish-born US conservationist. From 1880 he headed a campaign that led to the establishment of Yosemite National Park. He was named adviser to the National Forestry Commission 1896 and continued to campaign for the preservation of wilderness areas for the rest of his life.

Born in Scotland, Muir emigrated to the USA with his family 1849. After attending the University of Wisconsin, he travelled widely and compiled detailed nature journals of his trips. He moved to California 1868 and later explored Glacier Bay in Alaska and mounted other expeditions to Australia and South America.