News Release

John Muir: University of the Wilderness

Date: August 3, 2018
Contact: Arlene Jackson, 970-858-3617 x363
Contact: Samantha Heinritz, 970-858-3617 x367

Fruita, CO – John Muir is credited with being one of the earliest advocates of protecting wild areas for their natural and wilderness values. His writings impacted a generation of Americans in the late 1800s, and inspired them to protect areas such as Yosemite, Glacier Bay and the Grand Canyon. His words still ring true today. 

On Friday, August 10, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. come listen to John Muir’s words against the backdrop of the canyons of Colorado National Monument. Chance Ensemble, an internationally acclaimed group, will perform a narrative concert titled John Muir: University of the Wilderness. The musical score, described as a place where Celtic, contemporary and classical music beautifully collide, is blended with words to bring his experiences to life. Representatives from Chance Ensemble will be available for interviews prior to the performance.

This free concert will be held at the Saddlehorn Picnic area a quarter mile from the Colorado National Monument visitor center.  The picnic area and visitor center are just 4 miles from the west (Fruita) entrance. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own chair, insect repellent, and refreshments. Please call 970-858-3617 ext 360 for additional information.

This concert is presented as a result of the support of Colorado National Monument Association.

Summer hours are now in effect at Colorado National Monument. The visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. For additional information please visit www.nps.gov/colm or call 970-858-3617, ext. 360.

-www.nps.gov-

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.