Gov. Brown Proclaims April 21 'John Muir Day' In California

SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has proclaimed April 21, 2013 "John Muir Day" in California.

In a proclamation issued on Friday, Brown called the naturalist "a giant of a man" whose "vision of the pristine landscape as a source of spiritual renewal has become central to our understanding of the relationship between humanity and nature."

Muir's advocacy for preservation was instrumental in establishing Yosemite National Park and creating the National Park System, Brown said.

"It is a tribute to the beauty of our state that this consummate lover of nature shoes California as his home," he said.

An image of Muir -- who lived from 1838 to 1914 - can be found on California's state quarter, which was issued in 2004.

Brown suggested that Californians honor Muir by visiting a national park, state park or unspoiled wilderness to "help keep his legacy alive."

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