John Burroughs was an American naturalist and essayist born on April 3, 1837, in New York. He is best known for his writings on nature, which emphasize the importance of observing the natural world. Burroughs was a key figure in the Transcendentalist movement, alongside notable figures like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Throughout his life, Burroughs published numerous essays and books, including "Wake-Robin" and "The Mountains of California." His work often highlighted the beauty of the American wilderness and encouraged readers to appreciate the environment. Burroughs passed away on March 29, 1921, leaving a lasting legacy in nature writing.