John Olmsted

Who was John Olmsted?

John D. Olmsted was a California naturalist and conservationist most famous for creating the Independence Trail in Nevada City, California, as well as helping to save numerous other parcels across California, from Jug Handle State Natural Reserve near Casper, California to the Bridgeport covered bridge. His efforts and vision of a park at Bridgeport led to the creation of the South Yuba River State Park, a 39-mile length of Nationally protected Wild and Scenic land along the South Yuba River in Nevada County, California. Olmsted patterned his life after that of fellow environmentalist John Muir, with his trademark beard, formal clothing, and poetic and spiritual leanings towards the benefits of time spent in nature.

He founded the Earth Planet Museum in Grass Valley as a tribute to John Muir, environmentalism in California, and as a visual history of recorded audio and alternate technologies. During his time in Mendocino he worked with Hans Jenny in recognizing and preserving the Pygmy Forest, which is located within the boundaries of Jug Handle. His dream of a cross-California hiking trail remains the focus and goal of his devoted followers.