"One of the almost forgotten ingredients in the modern environmental renaissance that exploded in the 1960's and 1970's was the role played by neighbors turned activists turned world savers. "New Guardians for the Golden Gate" takes us back to the time before professional environmentalism, when an entire movement was created from the back yard out, powered by the simple belief that no one knew better what should happen to a place than the people who loved it."--Carl Pope, Executive Director, The Sierra Club "This book is an extraordinary tale of how the collection of historic natural and cultural wonders became the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Of the many books about the creation of individual national parks, this is the most comprehensive story in print of the grassroots coalition and political struggles of park creation. We owe Amy not only for a wonderful park, but for a great story of encouragement to all who work for preservation."--U.S. Rep. Mark E. Souder (R-IN), Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Congressional National Parks Caucus ""New Guardians for the Golden Gate" is an extraordinary account of a local endeavor which resulted in a national triumph. The inspiring work of community workers and national leaders like Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi teaches us again how each of us can help shape history. Bravo to Amy Meyer for documenting this history and honoring the spirit and determination of those who worked to make the Golden Gate National Recreation Area a gift for future generations."--U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) "This is a marvelous love story between Amy Meyer and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. There is no park elsewhere in the United States that brings together such unique natural and historic resources with such care and sensitivity for public benefit. We are all deeply indebted to her and her colleagues who fought for years to make it happen. Working with great passion and diligence over many years, they succeeded, and it's all here in this wonderfully told, indeed moving story."--Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation "Each of our National Parks was created because individual Americans stood up and made it happen. New Guardians for the Golden Gate is a compelling and inspirational story of how these great Americans created this park for the benefit of all of us. A great read for all who care about our parks and our democratic process."--Tom Kiernan, President, National Parks and Conservation Association "Finally, the story has been told, by a principal protagonist, of one of the most important environmental victories of the late 20th century--the creation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Amy Meyer's meticulous record-keeping and detailed memory tell the story like no one else could, and in the process, have created a page-turner on par with any good novel. Neighbors, environmentalists, ranchers, politicians, generals and scoundrels interact in this great social history."--Jim Chappell, President, SPUR

First published in 1995. This volume traces the origin and development of America's national park citizen 'watchdog' organisation. Giving an insider's perspective, and reflecting an outsiders quest for objectivity, it will be of interest to every park enthusiast and conversation historian.

This biography of the seventh director of the National Park Service brings to life one of the most colorful, powerful, and politically astute people to hold this position. George B. Hartzog Jr. served during an exciting and volatile era in American history. Appointed in 1964 by Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, he benefited from a rare combination of circumstances that favored his vision, which was congenial with both President Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society" and Udall's robust environmentalism. Hartzog led the largest expansion of the National Park System in history and developed social programs that gave the Service new complexion. During his nine-year tenure, the system grew by seventy-two units totaling 2.7 million acres including not just national parks, but historical and archaeological monuments and sites, recreation areas, seashores, riverways, memorials, and cultural units celebrating minority experiences in America. In addition, Hartzog sought to make national parks relevant and responsive to the nation's changing needs.

The dramatic and uplifting story of legendary outdoorsman and conservationist John Muir’s journey to become the man who saved Yosemite—from the author of the bestselling Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival. In June of 1889 in San Francisco, John Muir—iconic environmentalist, writer, and philosopher—meets face-to-face for the first time with his longtime editor Robert Underwood Johnson, an elegant and influential figure at The Century magazine. Before long, the pair, opposites in many ways, decide to venture to Yosemite Valley, the magnificent site where twenty years earlier, Muir experienced a personal and spiritual awakening that would set the course of the rest of his life. Upon their arrival the men are confronted with a shocking vision, as predatory mining, tourism, and logging industries have plundered and defaced “the grandest of all the special temples of Nature.” While Muir is consumed by grief, Johnson, a champion of society’s most pressing debates via the pages of the nation’s most prestigious magazine, decides that he and Muir must fight back. The pact they form marks a watershed moment, leading to the creation of Yosemite National Park, and launching an environmental battle that captivates the nation and ushers in the beginning of the American environmental movement. Beautifully rendered, deeply researched, and inspiring, Guardians of the Valley is a moving story of friendship, the written word, and the transformative power of nature. It is also a timely and powerful “origin story” as the toweringly complex environmental challenges we face today become increasingly urgent.

Yellowstone's chief ranger gives an intimate account of what it is like to be in charge of so great a wilderness.

In this epic new adventure series that "is sure to keep lovers of Rick Riordan running to the shelves" Sam London is recruited by the Department of Mythical Wildlife and sent on a covert mission when the secret that legendary animals are real is in danger of being exposed (School Library Journal)! Haunted by a dream of a mythical gryphon, Sam London uncovers an ancient secret that will change the way he sees the world forever. Recruited by Dr. Vance Vantana, an eccentric zoologist and park ranger sent by the government, Sam is whisked away on an adventure that takes him to the farthest reaches of the globe. Along this journey, Sam learns an incredible truth: mythical creatures are real and living among us in our national parks. A special department in the U.S. government ensures that their existence remains hidden. But Sam’s dream is an omen that the secret may now be in danger. Someone seeks the power to expose these creatures and overthrow humankind—and that power can only be found in a magical talisman known as the gryphon’s claw. "A death-defying, globe-spanning adventure, packed with creatures out of folklore and myth....[Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw is] a solid series opener and debut for Gallicano, who stocks his story with engaging characters, human, and otherwise."-Publishers Weekly “So original and exciting. This is the best fantasy-adventure novel I have read in some time.”—Martin Olson, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia

First Published in 1995. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.