My parents called me the "Baby Botanist" when I was a toddler, because I skipped the swings & slide at the park, in order to explore the plant life. I now have my own toddlers at home, but I still love plants. I've lived in California for most of my life, and I now teach a high school botany course in the Bay Area.

I also love birds, especially birds of prey - but I'm terrible at getting pictures of them! I grow edible plants at home - currently we have squash, popcorn, potatoes, tomatoes, melons, eggplants, and herbs growing.