Melanie Choukas-Bradley is an award-winning nature book author and Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs). Melanie leads forest bathing walks and tree tours for the Audubon Naturalist Society, the United States Botanic Garden, Smithsonian Associates, the Rock Creek Conservancy, the Nature Conservancy, Casey Trees, Politics & Prose, the Aspen Institute and other organizations. She is the author of the award-winning book, A Year in Rock Creek Park: The Wild, Wooded Heart of Washington, DC, and City of Trees. Melanie has traveled throughout Japan, participating in forest bathing walks led by shinrin-yoku guides.
Originally from the Netherlands, Lieke van der Vorst is the illustrator behind Liekeland. Her work is influenced by the times she spent camping with her family every summer. Being kind to animals and the environment is an important part of her vision. She uses her illustrations to make a positive impact on the world, and to keep people honest and humble. She received a vocational education at Graphic Design SintLucas, Boxtel NL and has an art degree from Academy of Fine Arts and Design St. Joost, Breda NL.
