Born in Southern California but raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Gena was quick to return west at the age of 18. After discovering the boulder-strewn desert of Joshua Tree, she was drawn into rock climbing and a life spent outdoors. In pursuing her passion to introduce others to the natural world, Gena received a Bachelor’s of Science in environmental education from Humboldt State University.

Gena has worked as a botanist, naturalist, outdoor educator, and park ranger. Along with loving the work she does, she also has been able to work in incredible places: Yosemite, Northern California, Southwest Montana, and above the Arctic Circle in Alaska. With the diversity of ecosystems, endless trails, and enchanting peaks, the Sierra Nevada continues to be Gena’s muse. Rock climbing, backpacking, skiing,
identifying wildflowers, mushroom hunting, and bird watching are a few of her favorite ways of discovering the Sierra’s intricacies.