Janet L. Byron has lived in Berkeley, California, for more than half her life. Malcolm Margolin’s East Bay Out was the first walking guide she purchased, and it introduced her to the joys of exploring nature by foot. She has subsequently led walks for Greenbelt Alliance, Berkeley Path Wanderers Association (BPWA), Girl Scouts, Congregation Beth El, and other local groups, and has served on the boards of Greenbelt Alliance, BPWA, Friends of Strawberry Creek, Willard Neighborhood Association, and Berkeley Partners for Parks. She attended the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and works as a science writer and editor. Janet lives in West Berkeley with her daughter.