On Saturday morning I had the thrilling experience of watching the sun rise over a national monument – from my own house!

By creating the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, President Obama has assured that the extraordinary biological diversity at the wild heart of the Inner Coast Range will be protected forever.

Its remarkable geology, ancient cultural resources, outstanding recreational opportunities, dramatic scenic vistas – all of these wonders will be protected forever.

In building his own conservation legacy the president is also doing something much more momentous: he is establishing a legacy for our children and grandchildren and everyone who comes after them.

This achievement is truly cause for jubilation, and for gratitude for the leadership and vision shown by the president, Senators Boxer and Feinstein, Congressmen Thompson, Garamendi and Huffman, state Senators Wolk and McGuire, Assemblymembers Dodd, Wood and Levine, and all the local elected officials, businesses, organizations and individuals who have made this long-cherished objective a reality.

Please join me in sending a message of thanks by clicking the link at the top of the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter home page, www.sierraclub.org/redwood .

Victoria Brandon is chair of the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter. She lives in Lower Lake, Calif.