If he were alive today, the odds are good that John Muir, one of the most famous naturalists of all time, and one of Martinez' most well-known citizens, would have enjoyed the fact that Earth Day fell one day after his birthday of April 21. As a nod to both Muir and the earth, the John Muir Birthay - Earthday event will take place this Saturday, April 16 at the John Muir National Historic site, 42o2 Alhambra Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
The event includes over 50 exhibitors, live music, food available for purchase, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages, and entry is free. Parking is available at Alhambra High School (150 E St.) and Martinez Adult Education center (650 F St.), with shuttles provided to and from to the celebration, which is presented by the John Muir Association and the National Park Service.
Muir was born on April 21, 1838 in Dunbar, Scotland. As part of his birthday celebration, the Martinez Museum will be displaying historic and present day photos of Dunbar, Scotland, Martinez' sister city. See the Martinez Museum for more information.
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Muir and Earth Day are two kindred spirits in their legacy to protect nature. Through his writing, Muir swayed leaders to see the beauty and importance of nature in our lives, and our souls.
Thaddeus Shay, lead park ranger at the Muir Site, explained why this event is important: “It’s imperative to protect and preserve where we live. Earth Day helps us become more aware of preserving the earth.”
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Shay noted that Earth Day pre-dates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970. It brought together 20 million Americans in support of environmental reform. The EPA was founded on December 2, 1970.
The Birthday Earth Day event is a festive mix of celebration, awareness, preservation, and education on the importance of preserving our natural world. It’s one thing you can do in your home town to celebrate Earth Day and John Muir’s Birthday.
For more information on the Earth Day – Birthday celebration, call the John Muir National Historic Site (925) 228-8860 or see the John Muir Association web site.
