By Donna Beth Weilenman
Martinez News Gazette

A new bill introduced into both houses of Congress would pave the way to add 44 acres in the Alhambra Creek watershed to the John Muir National Historic Site.
U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-11), in whose district is a portion of Martinez, and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) have simultaneously introduced the legislation, and California’s other U.S. Senator, Dianne Feinstein, has joined them as an original cosponsor of the bill.
According to a joint statement issued by the offices of DeSaulnier and Harris, “Since the parcel of land being donated by the (John Muir Heritage Land) Trust exceeds the size the National Park Service is permitted to acquire administratively, Congressional approval is needed to complete the transfer.”
DeSaulnier introduced the same bill to the last Congress. While it was approved unanimously by the House of Representatives, the Senate chose not to consider the legislation.
“The legislation would expand our boundary so we could accept the land,” explained Superintendent Tom Leatherman.
The longtime goal is to get the land donated to the John Muir National Historic Site, which covers 330 acres in Martinez, Leatherman said.
At the historic site, headquartered at 4202 Alhambra Ave., is the 14-room Victorian home where Muir and his wife, Louisa, and their two daughters, Wanda and Helen.
Muir’s father-in-law, Dr. John Strentzel built the home in 1883, and it contains Muir’s “scribble den,” or study, and the desk where the famous naturalist composed many of the ideas that spurred future conservationists. He died in 1914.
Muir was the first president of the Sierra Club. He also was a key proponent of creating national parks, and his endeavors led to the founding of the National Park Service in 1916.
The John Muir Land Trust bought the 44-acre West Hills Farm property, adjacent to the south side of Mount Wanda, several years ago from its private owner, Leatherman said.
He said the acreage resembles the wooded Mount Wanda. It has coast live, blue and valley oaks and bay trees, native shrubs, perennials, grasses and annual wildflowers.
The acreage links to the Franklin Ridge corridor and provides a varied terrain and unbroken habitat for native wildlife, including the federally-listed threatened Alameda whipsnake as well as the California red-legged frog and western pond turtle. Cooper’s hawks, white-tailed kites, northern harriers, golden eagles and red-tailed hawks forage for food on the land.
Adding the acreage to the national historic site also would expand an extensive trail system for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians, including connections to the 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Should Congress favor the legislation, those at the John Muir National Historic Site would care for the new acquisition in the same manner as it does Mount Wanda, Leatherman said.
Protecting the acreage also would preserve area waterways and water quality, according to information from the John Muir Land Trust.
Neither the Trust nor the National Park Service historically introduce legislation themselves. However, they have been cooperating with the California Congressional delegation to get this bill introduced, Leatherman said.
“Contra Costa’s own John Muir, the father of the National Park Service, believed ‘Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul,’” DeSaulnier said.
“Expanding the site where he lived, wrote, and championed conservation efforts is a fitting celebration of his legacy, and will offer nature-goers greater access to enjoy the beauty of the East Bay,” he said.
In the joint statement, Harris said, “The expansion of the John Muir Historic Site will ensure that future generations of Californians and others will have the opportunity to continue to learn about his legacy as the father of the National Park Service.
“John Muir’s advocacy paved the path toward the protection of Yosemite and Sequoia as national parks, and Californians owe him a debt of gratitude,” Harris said. “Our public lands are rich with natural diversity, and are worth of our protection and preservation.”
Feinstein concurred.
“The time John Muir spent with his daughters at their scenic home and its neighboring property played a major role in launching the national parks movement,” she said. “Expanding the existing park to preserve more of this history and beauty is a fitting tribute to Muir’s legacy of protecting land for all to enjoy.”
Linus Eukel, executive director of the John Muir Heritage Land Trust, described a more personal picture of the open land that could become part of the historic site property.
“John Muir often walked this property with his two daughters to admire the oak woodlands and wildflowers that punctuate its grassy hillsides,” Eukel said._
“Upon congressional approval of this land acquisition, future generations will forever be able to share in the same delights as John Muir and his daughters, exploring the property’s unrivaled beauty.”
In addition to DeSaulnier, the bill has bipartisan House support from 16 other members of the House. While most are from California districts, the legislation also has the support of the Republican Peter T. King, of New York’s second Congressional district.

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