Since 1980, Pacific has hosted the Muir Symposium to explore and examine John Muir, the early Conservation Movement, and the Environmental Movement. The event has focused on Muir and the environment with topics such as: his friends and family, him as a naturalist and scientist, his practical ways, his perspectives on peoples and parks, and his legacy. Carolyn Finney, Donald Worster, Andrea Wulf, and Royal Robbins have presented. Meals tailored to the theme or Muir are provided, as well as field trips and receptions at important sites.
In addition to using Muir’s collections for presentations and research in geology, engineering, biology, English and other disciplines, the history department offers John Muir and the Environmental Movement. John Muir (1838-1914) was a key figure in the beginning of the global conservation, preservation and environmental movements. The course is designed to consider Muir’s context and examine the movements’ scientific, social and political legacies. Students will research in the world’s largest collection of Muir’s published and unpublished works available at Pacific’s Special Collections. Field trips to natural and historical sites such as Yosemite National Park are often a part of this course.
