Nature & Science

Experience the Natural Wonders of John Muir National Historic Site

John Muir National Historic Site is more than a tribute to the legendary conservationist—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem teeming with life. Here, you’ll find a rich variety of plants and animals that make this place as vibrant and inspiring as the legacy of John Muir himself.

Explore the gallery below to uncover fascinating details about the flora and fauna that call this site home. Each image offers a window into the natural beauty and biodiversity that surrounds you. Let this knowledge enrich your visit and deepen your connection to this special place.

 
  • Close up of a bobcat gazing out through tall grass.
    Animals

    John Muir National Historic Site acts as a haven of natural habitat for many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

  • Small deer mouse nibbles on yellow grass.
    Mammals

    Learn more about the furriest critters of John Muir National Historic Site.

  • Acorn woodpecker perches on branch and turns its' beak to the open sky.
    Birds

    John Muir National Historic Site is a haven of natural habitat for some astonishing avian species.

  • Hoary bat hangs from a branch
    Bats at John Muir National Historic Site

    Researchers used acoustic sampling to inventory bat populations at John Muir National Historic Site and other SF Bay Area parks.

  • Lizard peers over rock
    Reptiles & Amphibians in Bay Area Parks

    Check out the Pacific Coast Science & Learning Center site for more information on unique local reptile and amphibian species.

  • Portrait of a California quail in beige grass
    Species Lists

    Create your own species list for plants and animals found at John Muir.

  • Path through green grass next to Oak trees.
    Natural Features & Ecosystems

    Learn about the living and non-living factors that shape park's environment, including climate, geology, and various ecosystems.

  • Picture of everlasting pea plant with pink blossoms at the side of the road.
    Invasive Plants

    Invasive plants display qualities like fast growth, high seed production, and rapid maturation that allow them to displace native species.

  • Bright orange poppy blooms among beige grasses.
    Plants

    Explore unique plant communities, native and rare plants, and invasive plants found at John Muir National Historic Site.

  • Trees and grassland at John Muir National Historic Site
    Climate Change

    Climate change is already affecting plants and wildlife. Learn more about what we know about climate change, and what we can do.

  • Sand dunes and low shrubs, some with yellow flowers, with a lagoon in the background.
    Plant Community Monitoring

    Dig in to monitoring protocols, reports, and more on the San Francisco Bay Area Network's Plant Community Monitoring page.

  • Close up of red succulent plant
    Plants in the San Francisco Bay Area

    Learn more about the diverse plants and plant communities around the Bay Area from the Pacific Coast Science & Learning Center website.

 
 

Get Involved

Help protect your National Park lands! While hiking on Mt. Wanda, you can practice leave no trace principles by taking only pictures and leaving only footprints. You can contribute to nature observations and get help with identification through iNaturalist,a community science project where people can record what they observe in nature and interact with nature experts using a free mobile app. The project name for this park is "Wild Life in John Muir National Historic Site".

To help the park with conservation projects, explore our volunteer opportunities.

Last updated: December 19, 2024

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4202 Alhambra Ave
Martinez, CA 94553

Phone:

925 228-8860

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