By Katrina Marland & Michelle Werts

Welcome to Loose Leaf!

We’re glad you’re here, although you might be wondering exactly what you’ve stumbled upon.

Here, we plan to share unique perspectives on environmental news, issues and lifestyles. Make connections between forest news and your life. Discuss, defend and promote happenings in the green world. Last, but definitely not least, talk directly with you, supporters of the environment and of American Forests.

Wondering what tree planting has to do with the health of the Chesapeake Bay? We can help with that. Want to know why your bug spray doesn’t always work? Stay tuned. From scientific studies that show the medicinal benefits of trees to great places to hike or camp, from views on gas drilling in forests to tips on how to have an eco-friendly Halloween, this is your place for all things eco-centric.

Hopefully, at this point, you’re saying, “That sounds really interesting, and I can’t wait to read more.” However, you probably still have one major question: who is this “we”?

We are Katrina and Michelle.

Katrina hails from Maryland, but currently finds herself enjoying the high altitudes of Colorado. A member of the American Forests’ team for four years and having lived in five different states (including both coasts and the Midwest), she is fascinated by the variety of nature she has seen across the country and the environmental issues unique to each area. She loves reading, hiking and sci-fi TV shows.

Michelle is Midwesterner who does her best to cope with the swampy D.C. summers. Relatively new to American Forests, but not new to caring about the environment, Michelle is also an avid pop culture lover and recycler and is doing her best to acquire a green thumb within the confines of condo living.

Next week, we’ll be introducing the third member of our team, who will be joining us every Wednesday to bring the scoop straight from Capitol Hill. But we’ll let her introduce herself then.

We’ll also be welcoming special guests on an ongoing basis, including American Forests CEO Scott Steen, so keep an eye out for them.

Alright, that about covers it for now. We can’t wait to start discussing all things environment with you, so please don’t be shy: chat with us in the comments. Also, check back later today for Katrina’s take on this year’s Solar Decathalon.