A long while back, I pursued a degree in biology at Cornell University because I had a dream—born of James Herriot’s books and many years of raising goats as a child—of becoming a veterinarian. I quickly found that I preferred observing animals to dissecting them and shifted my focus to field natural history.

In graduate school at the University of Montana, I discovered the pleasure of exploring the natural world through writing, and my master’s thesis became my first book, Graced by Pines.

In my work, I have the privilege of exploring and writing about some of this country’s most beautiful places and writing about what I discover there. I love my work.

Education

 1989 Master of Science in Environmental Studies. Concentration in creative non-fiction writing. University of Montana. 

1985 Bachelor of Science in Biology. Concentration in Neurobiology and Behavior. Cornell University. 

Vocations and Avocations

“My object in living is to unite
My avocation and my vocation
As my two eyes make one in sight.” 
– Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time

Interpretive Writing

Since publishing Graced by Pines in 1994, I have interpreted both natural and cultural history for various audiences in projects across the country. During that time, I have written books, visitor guides, magazine articles, brochures, fact sheets, reports, website and blog narratives, radio segments, and hundreds of interpretive panels. My clients have included federal, state, and municipal agencies; education organizations; non-profit organizations; and private landowners. 

For each project, I have interpreted research materials into engaging, compelling narratives. There’s nothing I like better than to take a complex idea and find a simple and captivating way to relate it. Please visit my Interpretive Media, Books, and Communications pages for examples of my work.