Seed of the Future ― Yosemite and the Evolution of the National Park Idea

It's now a given that Americans?and people the world over?would seek to preserve their sacred, special places. One hundred fifty years ago, however, it was definitely not a foregone conclusion that the awe-inspiring granite cliffs, astounding waterfalls, and sublime sequoias of Yosemite would be protected. This idea of preservation was the national park idea; an idea that started from a seed, a seed that was planted in Yosemite. It was through the efforts of people like James Mason Hutchings, Galen Clark, Frederick Law Olmsted, John Muir, and Theodore Roosevelt among others that the world learned of Yosemite, flocked to it, nearly destroyed it, and ultimately saved it. These fascinating characters and their remarkable stories are skillfully woven together in this beautiful volume, created expressly to capture the wonder of Yosemite and to inspire future generations to do their part for wild places.

Dayton Duncan is an award-winning author and filmmaker who has served on the boards of the National Park Foundation, Student Conservation Association, and Conservation Lands Foundation. He wrote and produced the acclaimed PBS series The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, among others. This is his twelfth book. He lives in Walpole, NH.