Seeds of Preservation

The idea of preserving natural landscapes emerged in the 19th century, sparked by an artist's foresight of the impending destruction of the Great Plains. As western expansion intensified, the need to protect unique areas became urgent, leading to the landmark decision to preserve Yosemite Valley. This movement was further fueled by a cultural shift towards appreciating nature, championed by transcendentalists who saw it as a treasure rather than a resource to exploit.