An independent journalist for 17 years, Melissa has degrees in Zoology and Journalism and specializes in science, nature, and outdoor-oriented travel. She grew up in Texas, raised three children in Austin, and enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking and scuba diving. Her work has appeared in American Way, Family Fun, Men's Journal, Wildflower, Smithsonian, Texas Highways, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Co-op Power, the Austin American Statesman and many other publications. She is the author of Best Hikes with Dogs: Texas Hill Country and Gulf Coast, now in its second printing, and often gives talks on hiking with dogs.