A veritable swashbuckler, Rich Anderson enjoys hiking, camping, and generally exploring in the wildlands of the Southwest US and beyond. Raised in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, Rich grew up catching salamanders and snakes and fishing in the local ponds. Upon moving to New Mexico in 1991 to pursue a degree in biology at UNM, he found a paradise of mountains, canyons, and a most amazing array of wild creatures to learn about and pursue. Rich is especially interested in birds and reptiles and was honored to contribute to the Field Guide to the Sandia Mountains, writing the reptile and amphibian chapter of this comprehensive local nature guide. Rich and his wife live in a passive-solar straw-bale home they built together in the East Mountains, where they raise a small flock of egg-laying chickens and ducks and grow weeds, gophers, and the occasional chile or tomato plant!
Rich has taught science to middle, high school, and college students for over 25 years, sharing his passion for learning about science and the natural world. Rich is very excited to join the faculty of the new East Mountain Middle School.
