CATHERINE HERBERT HOWELL, a former National Geographic staff member, has written extensively on nature and natural history. She explored the relationships between people and plants in Flora Mirabilis- How Plants Have Shaped World Knowledge, Health, Wealth, and Beauty (2009) and covered the importance of birds in culture in the National Geographic Bird-watcher's Bible (2012). Howell also authored National Geographic Pocket Guide to Wildflowers of North America (2014) and National Geographic Pocket Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians (2015) and was a contributing writer to National Geographic Illustrated Guide to Nature (2013) and National Geographic Illustrated Guide to Wildlife (2014). Howell serves as a master naturalist volunteer in Arlington, Virginia.