Pisgah People. That's what I called us-----hikers and historians; rock-climbers and explorers; conservationists, artists, writers and photographers; and foresters, researchers, and data collectors. Whether its water, woods, mountain top or cove, people have connected to Pisgah for generations. When History Press wanted her history recorded in less than 45,000 words, it couldn't be done. Even the manuscript squeezed down to 50,00 words, left out valuable human stories. " PNF manages half-a-million acres and 3 incredible districts," I said at the Book Launch, "and hundreds of Pisgah People with their own beautiful stories---all a part of Pisgah National Forest." One place can be special to many people. The place may be a cabin, a cove, a wilderness, or a city park. One mountain, like Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, may be loved by many for different reasons....scientists trying to understand why a foreign insect killed its endemic fir trees; biologists studying a spider, found no where else in the world, to improve its chances of survival; birders scoping for a bird species that more commonly lives in Canada; Cherokee Indians clinging to ancestral roots; hikers exploring new terrain or covering 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine; tourists looking for a wider view; botanists (or those who just love the flowers) searching for new specimens; explorers measuring its height and architects increasing that height to improve scenic vistas; and a national park protecting it all. I maintain that I do not love this mountain, Clingmans Dome, more than those who work or volunteer for the Park Service, the Cherokee, or the visitors who visit the Dome do. We all love her differently. Perhaps, I don't love Pisgah National Forest more than all the other Pisgah People. But, when you are very fond of someone, or a mountain, cove, or city park, you want to know more about them. What's their background? What's their life been like? What have they endured? What challenges exist today? What can I do to help? Finding the answers to those questions led to the birth of my book, Clingmans Dome, Highest Mountain in the Great Smokies and later, Pisgah National Forest: a History. As a career nurse practitioner in cardiology, family practice, and emergency medicine, I spent weekends climbing mountains or piloting a small plane somewhere. When I retired, thirty years of independent nature study became more structured in earning my naturalist's certificate through the Blue Ridge Naturalist's Program (UNCA-NC Arboretum). I have taught a class at the NC Arboretum on the Spruce-fir Forest Ecosystem. In 2014, I completed the NC Environmental Educator Certification Program. Soon, I complete the Southern Appalachian Naturalist's program at the Great Smoky Mtn. Institute (UT-Knoxville.) I volunteerded for GSMNP and Appalachian Bear Rescue for a number of years. Now, I offer educational sessions at special events with the release of my ceremonial white doves, and provide nature/environmental presentations for classrooms and community events.Born in Asheville, NC, I attended Winston-Salem State University. After completing my Masters of Science degree at East-Tennessee State University, I worked as a nurse practitioner for McDowell Hospital Systems until retirement. Now, I'm beckoned outdoors............