Encounters With the Archdruid: Narratives About a Conservationist and Three of His Natural Enemies

The Sierra Club is a prominent environmental organization active in the US, founded in 1892 by conservationist John Muir. Its mission is “To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives” (“Mission.” Sierra Club). The organization undertakes numerous initiatives such as advocating for environmental laws, leading grassroots movements, and providing outdoor education. It has been instrumental in the creation of national parks and protected wilderness areas. The Sierra Club has a substantial membership, becoming very popular during David Brower’s directorship (1952­–1959).

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a landmark US law that offered 160 acres of public land to settlers for a nominal fee. To be eligible, individuals needed to be at least 21 years old, or the head of a family, and had to reside on the land, construct a residence, and farm it for a period of five years. The primary goal of the act was to encourage westward expansion and the development of rural territories. Floyd Dominy’s grandfather used the Homestead Act to settle in Nebraska.