Celebrate John Muir's Birthday and Earth Day on April 19, 2008, from 10am to 4pm at the John Muir National Historic Site.

The house and grounds will be alive with music and exhibits about earth-friendly technologies and programs that sustain the environment. Learn about solar power, green building, wildlife conservation, hybrid vehicles, organic gardening, recycling, and much more. Admission to the park is free; food and beverages will be available. Rain or shine, come and follow in the footsteps of John Muir.

Hold the date - details coming soon!

This year's Ranch Days event on Oct. 14th was a celebration of the land’s bounty in our area. The event was expanded this year to include activities at the John Muir House, downtown Martinez at the Farmers’ Market and at the Historical Society as well as aboard the Alma docked at the Martinez Marina. The day included:

At the John Muir National Historic Site:

• Special Agriculture-focus tours of the House and Grounds
• Displays of California Native Plants used in landscaping
• Horse-drawn procession from the House to the Farmers’ Market to the Alma

At the Farmers Market and Historical Society – Downtown:

• Continuation of the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Farmers Market
• Historic displays of ranching and farming
• Mid-point of the horse-drawn procession

At the Historic Train Station:

• Members of the Willows Theatre Company entertained in costumes of the era.

At the Martinez Marina:

• The Alma – a historic sailing vessel typical of those used to move produce around the Bay Area was berthed at the Marina and open for tours (nautical music, too!).
• Destination of the horse-drawn procession, delivering produce from the Muir House and Farmers Market

Horse-Drawn Procession

• Michael Muir (John Muir’s great-grandson) brought the Access Adventure horse-drawn wagons. Access Adventure provides access to nature for people with mobility challenges.
• The procession started at the Muir House (noon), then to the downtown Farmers Market, ending at the Alma.