Louise Jackson was raised as a mountain girl who unfortunately was required to attend school in the lowlands eight to nine months of the year. However, her heart remained year-round in Mineral King, the summer home of her family and near ancestors. Louise’s mother grounded her in the importance of the history, conservation, preservation and interconnection of the natural and human resources of our mountain lands. That focus has resulted in a lifetime of hiking, climbing, skiing, backpacking and mule packing, as well as research and writings on our Southern Sierra Nevada region. Louise has written several articles, poetry and published five books based on her research and experiences.