I am a lifelong hiker, backpacker and lover of wildlife. I grew up in Marin County and spent much time in the local salt marshes, hiking all over Mt. Tamalpais and backpacking in the high Sierras. As a child, I was inspired by the legendary Elizabeth Terwilliger ("Ms. T") and loved her nature hikes where she taught us to appreciate and care for all creatures and their habitats. Later while attending college , I worked as a firefighter/EMT and became very concerned about vegetation fires (and still am), how they alter habitats and how the effects of climate change is intensifying fire behavior far beyond what I experienced over 30 years ago. Today, I am retired and volunteer as an educator at a local wildlife hospital/museum and a regional park where I hope to carry on "Ms.T's" lessons and inspire others.