(West Palm Beach, FL – January 21, 2025) – Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County is excited to welcome award-winning author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist Kirsten Hines for a captivating presentation and book signing at the Garden on Saturday, February 1, 2025. This special event will inspire local naturalists, conservationists, and eco-minded photographers to discover Florida’s hidden wildlife wonders.

“Kirsten Hines inspires others to be active ambassadors in creating greenways to protect our state’s natural treasures,” says Mounts Botanical Garden Executive Director James May. “Her insights into how Florida animals live provide a window into how we can find hidden wonders even in our own backyards.”

EVENT DETAILS:

• Date: Sat., Feb. 1, 2025
• Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Location: Mounts Botanical Garden
• Cost:
  • $5 for members
  • $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
  • FREE for youth ages 9-17
• Registration:
  • Space is limited and registration is required.
  • Tickets are nonrefundable.
  • To register, visit https://www.mounts.org/event/special-event-kirsten-hines-wild-florida-presentation-and-book-signing/.

EVENT OVERVIEW – WILD FLORIDA: AN ANIMAL ODYSSEY WITH KIRSTEN HINES

Florida is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, from alligators and panthers to fireflies and rare snakes. But did you know it also has crocodiles, bears, and more species of fireflies than any other state? Or that a tiny lizard swims through Central Florida’s ancient sand dunes, a red widow spider hides in palmettos, and wild flamingos—common two centuries ago—are reappearing? Join Kirsten Hines as she takes audiences on a visual and descriptive journey from the temperate Panhandle through the state’s diverse habitats to the tropical islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. Through breathtaking photography and expert storytelling, Hines will explore Florida’s incredible array of animals as captured in her gold-medal-winning book, Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey.

BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE & SIGNING:

• Birds of Florida (2024)

• Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey (2023)
• Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens (2014)

ABOUT KIRSTEN HINES

Kirsten Hines is an award-winning author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist with a master’s degree in biology. She has authored eight books on Florida’s nature and history, with her images featured in public art programs, photography showcases, and exhibitions. Through storytelling, wildlife-oriented presentations, and conservation advocacy, she inspires audiences to take action in preserving Florida’s diverse ecosystems. She also co-founded Phoebes Birding, connecting women through nature, and serves as Conservation Chair on the Audubon Florida board.

Kirstin Hines Florida Book Awards:

• Gold Medal for Visual Arts
  • Florida Authors and Publishers Association, Sunshine State Award
  • Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Book Awards
• Gold Medal for Science/Nature
  • National League of American Pen Women, Inc., Marjorie Davies Roller Nonfiction Award

EXPLORE MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN

Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).

• Admission:
  • $20 for adults
  • $18 for seniors, college students, and military with IDs
  • $13 for ages 6-17
  • FREE for children under 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members
• Location: 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
• For more info:  www.mounts.org

CURRENTLY ON EXHIBIT: RIBBIT THE EXHIBIT II BY ARTIST ANDY COBB

Back by popular demand, this collection of 18 larger-than-life, whimsical frog sculptures is on display throughout the Garden. Handcrafted by artist Andy Cobb, these sculptures create playful and imaginative explorations of amphibians while offering engaging programming about real frogs and their vital role in the ecosystem.

EXPLORE MOUNTS ANYTIME, FROM ANYWHERE WITH FREE MOBILE GARDEN GUIDE

Can’t visit in person? Explore Mounts Botanical Garden from anywhere in the world with the Mobile Garden Guide, available free via Bloomberg Connects. This multimedia app features interactive maps, exhibition highlights, and exclusive photo, audio, and video content to enhance the visitor experience. Learn more and download: www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide.

ABOUT MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Spanning 20 acres, the Garden features an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas with more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic fruit trees, palms, and bromeliads. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden.

This project is sponsored in part by:

• The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners
• The Tourist Development Council
• The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

ATTACHED IMAGE:

• Author & Wildlife Photographer Kirsten Hines (photo credit: courtesy of Kirsten Hines)

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:

Misty Stoller – Director of Marketing & Communications, Mounts Botanical Garden
954.292.8169

[email protected]

Kirsten Hines – Please contact Misty Stoller to schedule.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Gary Schweikhart – PR-BS

561.756.4298

[email protected]