Retired Libby teacher Gene Reckin joined the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness board of directors at their April 13 quarterly meeting, adding his enthusiasm for wild country and science to FSPW’s ruling body.

Reckin was born in 1954 in San Diego and spent 15 life-changing summers in Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Parks. He attended the University of Montana and earned degrees in Wildlife Biology and Botany as well as his teaching credential. Gene taught science, primarily biology, chemistry and research, in Libby Public Schools for 35 years and retired in 2015. He and his wife, Nora, raised their two daughters in Libby, exploring local wildlands and much of the west.

Reckin has special interests in environmental education and the stewardship of America’s best idea, public lands. He spends as much of his “spare time” as possible exploring new places in his hiking boots or in a canoe, bird watching, building furniture, hunting, and gardening.

“Gene is a terrific addition to our board,” said chairman Doug Ferrel. “I’m excited to have his regional wisdom and passion for the outdoors added to our institutional knowledge.”

Reckin has also been a volunteer instructor with the FSPW Winter Tracks program and a contributor to Voices In The Wilderness.