A Road Scholar Program by John B. Wallace Known as the Father of Yosemite, John Muir (1838-1914) made the American Wilderness his lifework. This naturalist, writer, explorer, and pioneer ecologist popularized the cause of conservation - at a time when natural resources seemed inexhaustible. While Muir has been credited as being the architect of the national park idea, he was also a spirit so free that to prepare for an expedition, he would merely ""throw some tea and bread into an old sack and jump over the back fence."" The self-described ""Tramp"" drew recognition for his wilderness expertise from presidents and poets alike. Settle in for wild adventure tales, gentle philosophical perspectives, and impassioned pleas in defense of wilderness.