Debbie Croft: Muir’s impact still felt in Sierra Nevada

Once reaching California in 1868-1869, John Muir left San Francisco to visit the Sierra Nevada. He had read about its grandness. And as a lover of botany, when he arrived he immediately found himself at home.

No doubt Muir hadn’t figured his mark would remain on California’s historic timeline when setting off on foot across the state.

Having spent some of his time journaling and sketching in the Coulterville, Greeley Hill and Groveland area, Muir was honored by local residents in recent past when they designated State Highway J-132 as the John Muir Highway.

Today the area consists partly of the Stanislaus National Forest and looks much the same as it did a century and a half ago. Muir delighted in the stately pines and delicate flowers, the cliffs and peaks overlooking rugged mountain canyons, and all that lived and breathed around him.

To become better acquainted with Muir’s stamping grounds, visit Coulterville on May 16. Admission is free to the sixth annual John Muir Festival. Family friendly activities will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the community park and at various spots in town and along Main Street.

The Yosemite Tapestries exhibit will feature the weavings of Miriam McNitt. These handcrafted works of art were commissioned in 1967 and hung on display in Yosemite for more than 40 years. They depict the panoramic views and natural beauty of the iconic landscape.

The day’s activities will include a guided hike along Bean Creek, a presentation by a John Muir re-enactor, a silent auction, anniversary cake and ice cream in the afternoon, a visit from Smokey the Bear, children’s activities, games, food, live music and more.

In conjunction with the festival, the annual Mariposa County Master Gardener Spring Garden Tour will be held on the same day, May 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year is the first time the gardens on display will be in the northern section of Mariposa County. The tour provides an opportunity for gardeners to visit the historic Coulter House, circa 1857.

The gardens in Greeley Hill feature ideas for managing run-off, creating water capture systems and growing food – all of which can be especially helpful during this period of drought. In addition, learn tips for growing flavorful tomatoes or pick up your favorite greenery at the plant sale.

Coulterville’s Firehouse Demonstration Garden is also on the tour, along with the heritage rose garden. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice.

Advance tickets are $12; at the gate tickets will be $15. Call the University of California Cooperative Extension at (209) 966-2417, or visit http://cemariposa.ucanr.edu for details.

While in Coulterville, stop by the John Muir Geotourism Center. Through innovative programs this nonprofit organization educates and inspires visitors to preserve the Sierra wilderness Muir came to love.

Muir was the founder of the Sierra Club. His legacy of conservation developed into the nation’s leading environmental organization. Visit www.sierraclub.org for more information.

Recently the center has partnered with Mariposa County schools to improve student services by introducing an Environmental Outdoor Education Program. Doug Jensen of Coulterville High School and Ron Henderson of Coulterville High and Lake Don Pedro Elementary School are working closely with the center and its president, Monty Thornburg. Call (209) 878-3501 for details or to volunteer your time or expertise in this venture.

Also in Coulterville, the Northern Mariposa County History Center offers more information about Muir, his travels, his vision and passion, and his conservation efforts. President Theodore Roosevelt made his decision to expand Yosemite as a national park after visiting Muir in 1903.

In a few short months the park will celebrate its 125th anniversary as the nation’s third national park. Thanks to Muir’s foresight, more than 1,500 square miles of Sierra land is now protected. Visit www.nps.gov for more info about the upcoming commemoration.

This story was originally published May 8, 2015 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Muir’s impact still felt in Sierra Nevada."