John Muir/Wikimedia Commons
By Lisa Biehle Files
Looking for a way to keep warm this winter that doesn't involve you sitting in front of the TV in your pajamas? Join a new book club exploring John Muir, father of the National Parks and founder of the Sierra Club. The book club, sponsored by the Oak Park Park District, will meet once a month for three months on Tuesdays, Jan. 24, Feb. 21, and March 21, at Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center, 167 Forest Ave., in Oak Park. There is no charge, but please register here.
“The Wild Muir: Twenty-Two of John Muir’s Greatest Adventures,” will be the primary text for discussion with a focus on a different chapter at each meeting. January will cover, “The Snow Avalanche Ride;” February will focus on, “A Geologists Winter Walk;” and March will review, “The Tree Ride.” You can order a copy from The Book Table (708) 386-9800.
In the 1880s, Muir petitioned Congress to preserve the western forests, helping to establish Yosemite National Park. He wrote lovingly about the wilderness and its transcendent impact on the human spirit; Muir was firmly opposed to excessive exploitation of natural resources.
Famously, Muir went camping with President Theodore Roosevelt in Yosemite in 1903, convincing him of the importance of federal protection of park land.
During his life, Muir published over 300 articles and 12 books.
Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir/Wikimedia Commons