I have lived in ND all my life enjoying its many different outdoors activities since I was a young child. I became a North Dakota state certified Hunter Education Instructor over 40 years ago. This was, and is, an engaging way to educate and show the passion one can have for nature. As an instructor, I have been involved with North Dakota Hunter Education Association, a lifelong member, as a secretary, vice president, president, and for over 20 years as a board member. I have received the ND Game and Fish Instructor of the Year award in 2006 and NDHEA’s President’s award in 2011.

I was a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician for 24 years, both as a volunteer and as a vocation. I’m now retired. I like to camp, fish, hunt, hike, read, crochet, and spend time with family- especially my grandchildren.

I was at an ND Hunter Ed. conference many years ago and a speaker we had asked a question that started me thinking. He asked why there were no books written for children about nature. I thought about that question for years, then sat down to write something up. I wanted to have a book that would grow with a child, first as a picture book, then with words that could be read to them about basic information, and the track each animal makes. This included a glossary for words which could assist in enlarging their vocabulary and an interactive activity. I wanted to spark a child’s interest in nature, its animals, the habitat nature provides for each kind to educate them about nature and some of what it has to offer.