John Muir (1838 - 1914), known as both John of the Mountains and The Father of the National Parks, was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books, which tell of his adventures in nature, have been read by millions. His activism, including founding The Sierra Club, has helped to preserve natural areas such as the Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Park.