Haida Gwaii, where I lived for 20 years, is the inspiration for my interest in natural history and conservation.  I did biological research at Drizzle Lake Ecological Reserve and explored remote and unique areas on the islands with Tom Reimchen, collecting plants and photographing and writing about the places we visited. My interests in natural history led me to botanical illustration, to a masters degree in paleobotany, and to a teaching career. I now live in Victoria, B.C.