John Muir—Inspired by his Georgian Bay explorations.

When John Muir first came to the Georgian Bay area he was exploring what was known as Canada West. The words “entrepreneur and naturalist” which seldom go hand in hand, aptly describe John Muir. In the time Muir spent in the Meaford area working for the Trout family he improved both production and efficiency at the rake factory where he was employed for almost two years. He left Canada when the mill burned to the ground in 1866. By then the Civil War in the USA was over and he headed for Ohio in the summer of 1866.

As the founder of the Sierra Club, there is an extensive section on the Sierra Club Website dedicated to John Muir. There you will find a list of those individuals and families who influenced John Muir throughout his life. Notably, the Canadian influences were the Trout Family where Muir resided during this Georgian Bay stay.

Muir's Canadian legacy is recognized with an Ontario Heritage Foundation plaque, outside the town of Meaford at Epping (in a location that was close to Trout Hollow), the location of the factory where Muir worked. See archaeological dig information.

Description from Ontario Historical Plaque

Born in Dunbar, Scotland, this famous naturalist, whose books and articles played a significant role in the early development of the United States National Park Service, emigrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1849. Intensely interested in botany and geology, Muir set out in 1864 on a walking tour of Canada West, during which he travelled much of what is known in Ontario today as the "Bruce Trail". His brother Daniel, employed since the previous year at the rake factory of William Trout and Charles Jay, near Meaford, induced him to take employment there also. In 1866 Muir returned to the United States, where in later years he became a leading champion of conservation.

The website Canadian Friends of John Muir provides additional information about Muir and his relationships with the Trout family. Of particular interest to Historians, is the speculation as to How John Muir got to Meaford. Scott Cameron provides insight into the possible transportation routes in 1865.

Publishers Note: 'John Muir Day' is every April 21, the day of his birthday. Governor ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER marking this day has idolized Muir in California with a proclamation. This day has been written into the California Education Code to encourage schools and educational institutions (to set aside in every classroom from K-Grade 12) to stress the importance that an ecologically sound natural environment plays in the quality of life for all. The John Muir Lesson plan guide is available on the Sierra Club website. NOTE THERE IS ALSO A SPECIAL QUARTER (25 cents) FOR CALIFONIA WITH MUIR'S IMAGE.