California Biodiversity

From its forests to its deserts, its mountains to its coastlines, California is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and home to an impressive variety of ecosystems and habitats. There are numerous species of plants, animals, and fungi, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Throughout history, naturalists have played a key role in capturing the variety of life in nature. Biodiversity inadvertently changes through time, and thus naturalists help to capture and preserve the fragile memory of the past.

Following are the works of two notable naturalists working in California during the 19th century: ornithologist, Andrew Jackson Grayson (1819-1869), and environmentalist John Muir (1838-1914).

A.J. Grayson

This exhibit presents items from the Library's Special Collections, including ornithological paintings of birds created by A.J. Grayson between the years of 1853-1869. Some of the images on display are of birds that are now either extinct, critically endangered, or vulnerable.

California and Mexico

It was as an adult while living in San Francisco that Grayson first had the opportunity to view the work of John James Audubon. Realizing that Audubon did not paint birds west of the Mississippi, Grayson was inspired to begin painting again. He would go on to perfect a much admired dry-brush watercolor technique in his representation of birds.

"Grayson with his wife and son," 1850, by William S. Jewett

Peregrine Falcon

Between the years of 1853 to 1869, Grayson focused on depicting birds of California and Mexico. Shown here is a detail of one of his paintings of a Peregrine Falcon.

Currently on display in the Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room, L 307.

John Muir: naturalist, environmentalist, and author

John Muir's "Picturesque California: The Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Slope" is an in-depth exploration of the wonders of California's natural environments. Perhaps the best-known naturalist in the United States, Muir was a passionate advocate for the conservation of California's forests, mountains, and other scenic landscapes. Muir documented his travels and observations in vivid detail. The result is a captivating account of the magnificent grandeur and beauty of the state.

Image: "John Muir, Muir Woods," undated

"Point Reyes Light," photogravure from a painting by Julian Rix, circa 1888

Currently on display in the Library's Quiet Study Reading Room, 3rd floor

"Yosemite Falls," photogravure based on a painting by C.D. Robinson, circa 1890s

Currently on display in the Library's Quiet Study Reading Room, 3rd floor

Documenting Biodiversity

The crucial role of naturalists

Naturalists like Grayson and Muir studied and recorded the natural world, providing a unique historical record of the biodiversity of California and beyond.

A naturalist may be a scientist, educator, conservationist, or anyone who takes it upon themselves to study and record the natural world. Naturalists observe, document, and analyze the natural environment and its inhabitants to better understand how they interact with each other.

Following are a few examples of other important naturalists.

Other notable naturalists

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

In his memoir, "Walden," Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) documented the experience of living in a small log cabin near a pond in Concord, Massachusetts for over two years, two months, and two days! Thoreau developed a profound connection to the pond and the nature surrounding it, exploring the surrounding woods and farmland, and documenting what he experienced in this memoir.

"Walden" is studied by climate scientists today, highlighting the important role that naturalists like Thoreau play in preserving historical biodiversity.

"Walden: or, Life in the Woods," by Henry David Thoreau, first published in 1854

Notable naturalists

Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson (1907-1964) was an American marine biologist, author, conservationist, and naturalist. She is best known for her book, "Silent Spring," which is credited with advancing the global environmental movement. In "Silent Spring" Carson exposed the dangers of chemical pesticides and their impact on the environment. She argued for the recognition of human responsibility to protect our planet, and she was also an early advocate of eco-feminism.

"Silent Spring," by Rachel Carson, originally published in 1962