The 25 Best Naturalist Quotes from our 5 Favorite Naturalists
Here at Winding Waters River Expeditions , we’re constantly inspired by the wisdom of naturalists from yesteryear. On all of our trips through the Pacific Northwest’s finest rivers, we develop an almost spiritual relationship with the natural world around us. Preeminent naturalists spoke to this relationship and inspire outdoor enthusiasts to this day.
Key Takeaways
- Naturalists shaped modern conservation. Icons like John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, and Gifford Pinchot helped establish the foundation of America’s National Parks and forest management systems, inspiring generations to protect the wild.
- Nature and philosophy go hand in hand. Thinkers like Henry David Thoreau reminded us that connecting with nature is not just recreation—it’s a path to self-discovery, mindfulness, and moral clarity.
- Observation leads to appreciation. From John James Audubon’s bird studies to Muir’s wilderness writings, the art of observing the natural world deepens respect for every living thing and encourages environmental stewardship.
- Conservation is an active responsibility. The writings and actions of these five naturalists emphasize that protecting natural resources requires awareness, advocacy, and sustainable practices.
- You can cultivate your own naturalist spirit. Immersing yourself in the outdoors—through rafting, hiking, or simply being still—helps you rediscover your bond with nature and carry forward the legacy of these great conservationists.
In this post, we’ll talk about some of our favorite naturalists and the best naturalist quotes that encapsulate their wild spirits.
John Muir
Perhaps, the United States’s most influential naturalist-explorer, John Muir is known for his explorations through California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The Scotsman wrote about his experiences and conviction to conservation in his writings focusing on the appreciation and protection of the natural world.
Known as “The Father of National Parks,” Muir’s writing and advocacy has helped protect countless natural areas in the United States. Some notable parks he directly helped protect through his writings include:
- • Yosemite
- • Sequoia
- • Mount Rainier
- • Petrified Forest
- • Grand Canyon
Often called “John of the Mountains,” his spirit lives on throughout the country in public wild spaces to this day.
Our top 5 favorite John Muir quotes
- • “The power of imagination makes us infinite.”
- • “Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.”
- • “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
- • “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
- • “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
Henry David Thoreau
Is there any naturalist who blended the natural world with the American spirit quite like Henry David Thoreau?
Known for his seminal work, Walden Pond , and his deeply influential essay Civil Disobedience , Thoreau truly embodied the Naturalist spirit. The former detailed his 2 years living on a remote pond in Concord, MA, and the latter detailing his philosophy that government shouldn’t force you to make moral compromises.
Disobedience was written shortly after coming back from Walden Pond, and was a direct response to both slavery and imperialism shown in the Mexican American war.
This combination of works show us how a life guided by the natural, free world is something more than just a recreational pursuit, but one guided by a philosophy of respect and connection with the wild.
Our top 5 favorite Henry David Thoreau quotes
- • “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
- • “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”
- • “All good things are wild, and free.”
- • “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”
- • “It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”
John James Audubon
James John Audubon is one of the premier American ornithologists. Audubon identified 25 new species of birds and completed the masterwork, The Birds of America.
The volume contains 435 true-to-life sized watercolors of birds from across the country engraved on plates. In completing the book, Audubon traveled the country with nothing but his gun, art materials, and his assistant to discover and capture the electric energy of the nation’s birds.
While he did not found the organization, the Audubon Society is committed to continuing his legacy through the protection of birds and their habitats.
Our top 5 John James Audubon quotes
- • “A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his father, but borrowed from his children.”
- • “I feel I am strange to all but the birds of America.”
- • “But Hopes are Shy Birds flying at a great distance seldom reached by the best of Guns.”
- • “Hunting, fishing, drawing, and music occupied my every moment. Cares I knew not, and cared naught about them.”
- • “In my deepest troubles, I frequently would wrench myself from the persons around me and retire to some secluded part of our noble forests.”
Theodore Roosevelt
To those who love the modern conservationist spirit of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt needs no introduction. As president, Roosevelt enacted a series of conservation measures, including:
- • The creation of the United States Forest Service, of which he named 150 National Forests
- • Creation of 5 National Parks
- • The 1906 Antiquities Act, which proclaimed 18 US National Monuments
- • Establishment of 51 bird reserves and 4 game preserves
All in all, Teddy placed 230,000,000 acres under public protection, most of which was done under executive order.
This conservation-minded approach to land management irked many members of his own party from western states, including Oregon’s own Senator Charles Futon. Eventually, Congress limited Roosevelt’s ability to set aside land through executive order, but not before he established 21 forest reserves immediately before the restrictions went into place.
Our top 5 Theodore Roosevelt quotes
- • “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”
- • “The lack of power to take joy in outdoor nature is as real a misfortune as the lack of power to take joy in books.”
- • “There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm.”
- • “The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased; and not impaired in value.”
- • “The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.”
Gifford Pinchot
The inaugural chief of the National Forest service and the 28th Governor of Pennsylvania, Pinchot was in Teddy Roosevelt’s conservation circle and an important figure in the era’s conservation movement.
As the leader of the National Forest Service, Pinchot was the de-facto leader of much of the Western United States federally-owned land. Under his leadership, the Forest Service established a more conservation-minded approach to land management. He also established better practices to forest management and was a large proponent of what he called conservation ethic, which called for scientific methods in forestry management.
Our top 5 Gifford Pinchot quotes
- • “Conservation means the wise use of the earth and its resources for the lasting good of men.”
- • “The earth and its resources belong of right to its people.”
- • “Innovations never happen as planned.”
- • “Unless we practice conservation, those who come after us will have to pay the price of misery, degradation, and failure for the progress and prosperity of our day.”
- • “The outgrowth of conservation, the inevitable result, is national efficiency.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some helpful answers to common questions about what to pack in your day bag for a whitewater rafting trip.
What is a naturalist?
A naturalist is someone who studies and seeks to understand the natural world, often through observation, exploration, and conservation. Naturalists like John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, and John James Audubon inspired generations to appreciate nature’s beauty and advocate for its protection.
Who was John Muir and why is he important?
John Muir, known as “The Father of National Parks,” was a pioneering naturalist and writer who inspired the creation of Yosemite, Sequoia, and other national parks. His writings encouraged a deep respect for wilderness and shaped America’s conservation movement.
What did Henry David Thoreau believe about nature?
Thoreau saw nature as essential to human freedom and moral clarity. His time at Walden Pond taught him that simplicity and solitude in nature could reveal profound truths about life, society, and self-reliance.
Who was John James Audubon?
John James Audubon was a naturalist and artist best known for The Birds of America, a monumental collection of bird illustrations. His work combined art and science, helping to ignite national interest in bird conservation and inspiring the Audubon Society.
What role did Theodore Roosevelt play in conservation?
President Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in shaping America’s conservation policy. He created the U.S. Forest Service, established five national parks, and signed the Antiquities Act, protecting over 230 million acres of land for future generations.
What was Gifford Pinchot’s contribution to conservation?
Gifford Pinchot was the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a key advocate for sustainable forest management. He introduced the concept of the “conservation ethic,” emphasizing the wise, scientific use of natural resources for long-term benefit.
What is the difference between preservation and conservation?
Preservation focuses on protecting nature from human use, keeping it untouched—an approach favored by John Muir. Conservation, championed by Gifford Pinchot, promotes responsible use of natural resources so they can be sustained for future generations.
How did naturalists influence America’s national parks?
Naturalists like Muir and Roosevelt inspired the creation and protection of national parks by highlighting the beauty and ecological importance of wild spaces. Their advocacy ensured that millions of acres were preserved for public enjoyment and education.
What can we learn from these naturalists today?
Their work reminds us to slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature. They teach that wilderness is not just a place for recreation—it’s a vital teacher, healer, and source of inspiration that shapes how we understand ourselves and our world.
How can I experience my own connection with nature?
Spending time outdoors—hiking, rafting, or camping—helps cultivate a naturalist spirit. Trips like those offered by Winding Waters River Expeditions allow you to unplug, explore remote wilderness, and rediscover the simple joy of being in nature.
Pining to find your own naturalist spirit?
At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we lead river journeys down some of the most wild and scenic rivers in the entire country, The Salmon River , The Snake River , and the Grande Ronde River. Many of our trips will guide you through multiple days in remote sections of wilderness where you can truly get away from it all.
Read about our rafting and fly fishing trips that will help you explore not only our beautiful rivers, but your own naturalist spirit. Contact us to learn more about how to get more in touch with the wilderness.
