Author Description

"This book tells the passionate, century-long story of Nature Friends in California through the voices of its members. Started by German and Austrian craftsmen and artists who immigrated to help San Francisco rebuild after the 1906 earthquake, our founders brought their Alpine traditions and love of Nature with them, and discovered a natural home for them here in California. The San Francisco Nature Friends club they started in 1912 quickly grew, so they built a lodge on the side of Mt. Tamalpias just above Muir Woods. In 1920, two sister clubs were founded in Oakland and Los Angeles, and we are proud to celebrate their centennials now in 2020. The three California branches combined in 1927 and became the California Nature Friends. In addition to their own clubhouses, the three clubs also jointly built a mountain lodge in the Sierras near Donner Summit in 1931, and the Los Angeles branch built a cabin on Mt. San Jacinto in 1934. This book also celebrates the 125th anniversary of our parent organization, Nature Friends International, which works to provide centers and activities in natural settings all around the world. Our clubs' facilities are actively used by members for overnights, meetings, social events, skiing and snowboarding, and as jumping off points for hiking, camping, and climbing trips. The clubs' membership comprises an eclectic mix of people of all races, religions, and ethnic and national origins who enjoy the outdoors and camaraderie with fellow lovers of nature"--