COULTERVILLE, California. January 12, 2012 — John Muir’s spirit of exploration and education will be renewed by the creation of the John Muir Geotourism Center (JMGC), according to this newly formed non-profit group. A new $75,000 donation will allow admirers of John Muir to seek additional developmental funds for a specialized center built around the genius of John Muir. It will provide learning opportunities for geotourists, students, parents and anyone concerned with environmental issues seeking to enrich their visit to Yosemite National Park and the region. Our regional preservation of natural ecosystems and rural communities lifestyles will provide experiences following the writings of John Muir directly from the natural context he observed in the 1880s.

The organization is privileged to have Robert Hanna, – the great, great-grandson of John Muir, and Ken Pulvino, – founder of the John Muir Highway project – as key members of the Advisory Committee along with a dedicated team of local community and Yosemite regional leaders.

The new Board of Directors is led by JMGC President, Mary Ann Huff, former President of the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce, and includes Laurie Byer, treasurer; Chuck Peck vice-president; John Shimer, secretary; and Teri Pulvino, director. They will be guided by an interim executive director, Miguel Maldonado – VP of the Yosemite Gateway Partners, to begin the JMGC program as a model and resource for the Yosemite region. Funded by a grant from the Graf/Pulvino Family Trust, the immediate goal of the board is to secure a physical site for the John Muir Geotourism Center and focus on extended regional, national and global relationships.

JMGC future components will consist of the following:

• Range of Light Outdoors Classroom: A multi-purpose classroom influenced strongly by interaction with all five senses in the ecosystems and cultural heritage examples present and preserved. JMGC will serve as a clearinghouse for talented tour guides offering nature/historic walks on trails both inside the park and from the surrounding region.

• Youth Education Program: A jointly developed program – with NatureBridge, the Oakland Museum, Yosemite National Park, Northern Mariposa County History Center and other organizations – to bring together urban and rural students in a natural setting to learn and share mutual perspectives.

• Bean Creek Preserve Nature Walks: Now owned by Sierra Foothill Conservancy, will offer geotourists the opportunity to learn about the uniquely rich natural habitat that can still be found along the historic John Muir Route. To learn more about these exciting opportunities, make a donation to this public benefit organization, or to follow the progress of this unique undertaking contact Miguel Maldonado at 209.962.4917 or miguel@numinosity.net.

It will soon be possible for everyone to share the wonder and awe Muir experienced as he traveled to his beloved Yosemite.

John Muir Geotourism Center, Inc. – Yosemite National Park Region – 5001 Main St., Coulterville, CA 95311