Kirsten Hines is a Miami-based author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist with a background in biological research and environmental education. She is author of seven books on Florida's nature and history, including human and natural histories of South Florida's national parks - Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Everglades National Park. She espouses the re-greening of South Florida through natural landscaping of private gardens to connect public reserves as exemplified in her books Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens and Birds of Fairchild, both of which won gold medals at the Florida Authors and Publishers Book Awards. Her most recent work, Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey, is a celebration of Florida's wildlife. Kirsten's writing and photography have also appeared in numerous publications, including Audubon, Birding Magazine, and Bird Watcher's Digest. Her photography has won awards, including placement in prominent nature photography showcases such as that of the North American Nature Photography Association, public art programs, artist-in-residences, and over 100 merit-based exhibitions.

In addition to her writing and photography, Kirsten shares her enthusiasm for birds and nature through lectures, workshops and other educational opportunities. She supports institutional conservation through her board membership in Audubon Florida and Tropical Audubon Society. She co-founded the Miami-based women's birding group Phoebes Birding as a means to connect women through nature with a particular emphasis on introducing novice birders to birding and to empower women to take more of a leadership role in the birding community.

www.KirstenHines.com.