Viewfinder: John Muir's Legacy at the Bedford Gallery

Naturalist John Muir's contributions to and interest in botany form the centerpiece to "Nature's Beloved Son," an exhibition of Muir's letters, notebooks, sketches, books and botanical artifacts now at the Bedford Gallery through March 27.

The exhibition features the influential preservationist's reflections on the plants, forests, animals, mountains and rivers that he experienced through the lens of his botanical endeavors.

Muir was a well-known traveler and this exhibition draws on material from Alaska and western Canada through the Pacific Northwest and the Sierra Nevada and then east to Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Ontario, Canada. Pieces from Siberia are included as well.

The exhibition presents an absorbing story of Muir's botanical interests that began their formation with his study of botany at the University of Wisconsin.

He chronicled his findings during his travels in numerous letters, sketches and books, many of which are on display at the Bedford. The show's accompanying video presents a fine overview of botany in general and, more specifically, Muir's contributions to and continuing involvement in the field.

"Nature's Beloved Son" is a traveling exhibition organized by the California Exhibition Resources Alliance and supported by the Skirball Foundation and Heyday Books. Check the gallery's website at www.bedfordgallery.org for the gallery's operating hours.