… was proclaimed such by President Theodore Roosevelt 104 years ago today.
On January 9, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt signed legislation establishing Muir Woods National Monument. William and Elizabeth Kent had donated the woods to save the trees, and asked that it be named after John Muir. Upon learning of its dedication, Mr. Muir declared, “This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.”
Muir Woods National Monument was established to protect an old-growth coast redwood forest from destruction. The park’s award-winning trails are recognized for their accessibility, providing visitors with an easy walk on paved trails or boardwalks through the Woods. Other trails to the ridge tops offer a more strenuous experience for avid hikers. In the light gaps beneath the redwood trees are red alders, California big leaf maples, tanoaks, and Douglas fir. The forest floor is covered in redwood sorrel, ferns, fungi, duff and debris. Several bridges cross Redwood Creek which flows through the park year-round. Wildlife residents include the endangered coho salmon fingerlings, Pacific wren, woodpeckers, owls, deer, chipmunks, skunks, river otters and squirrels to name a few.
Source: Muir Woods National Monument
NewMexiKen photos, April 2005.