Saturday, December 6th, 2014 marks a big day in Coulterville for the formal opening of the John Muir Geotourism Center (JMGC) in partnership with Sierra Flowers.  Starting at 2 p.m. visitors will celebrate an impressive remodeling with Sierra Flowers, now located in the Center, along with new JMGC retail store, Muir-centric products. 

Sierra Flowers owner, Nina Mimnaugh, has operated in Coulterville since 1998, and is pleased to be sharing space in the historic setting of the Muir Geotourism Center.  She said, “We are very happy to help keep the center open all week.  Our store hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.” 

Nina noted that John Muir would have approved of this new partnership because of his love of flowers and all things botanical.  “Muir spent much of his life on epic solitary walks to study plants in the wilderness. He crossed the U.S., Canada, Alaska, South America and Africa, always carrying a plant press with him. He used it to dry and preserve the specimens he mailed to friends and family, along with copious (and sometimes overwrought) notes on where and how he found them,” wrote Bettijane Levine of the LA Times.  Muir’s prowess as a botanist has also been highlighted by the LeConte Memorial Lodge director, Bonnie Giselle, in her book, “Nature’s Beloved Son,” and in her highly acclaimed traveling exhibit.

From 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., come to enjoy a string music concert with light snacks and beverages at the John Muir Geotourism Center, 1501 Main Street/John Muir Historic Route (see map) in Coulterville, California. Historians will be available to discuss the legacy of John Muir and his importance to Yosemite, California and the Sierra Nevada.  New members signing up during the celebration will receive a special gift.

Visit the John Muir Geotourism Center website.
Photo credit: Golub Photography