La Veta Trails is thrilled to announce that Emily Peterson has accepted the position of Stewardship Coordinator. Emily will be responsible for regional stewardship programming, project development, and on-the-ground management of field projects and crews. She will also serve as the point of contact for our partners, volunteers, and contractors. Emily is from Rye, CO, so is very familiar with life in rural areas and the trails on Greenhorn Mountain.

Emily earned her B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her education includes multiple classes in environmental studies that connect to her intense passion for education about nature and the wilderness. Prior to joining La Veta Trails, she served as an OHV Forestry Technician with the U.S. Forest Service, San Carlos Ranger District. In this role, she maintained and restored trails, restored trail tread, performed rock work, and worked at high elevation on rugged terrain. Emily worked with Mile High Youth Corps members by providing direction, guidance, and oversight.

Emily hopes to get more volunteers of all ages involved in the organization. She wishes to engage more youth in stewardship and partner with schools and other youth organizations for trail building and maintenance education programs, as well as encourage people of all ages to enjoy the beautiful trails in the area. Additionally, she would also like to expand trail education initiatives and enhance storytelling by sharing stories from trail users, volunteers, and donors through newsletters and social media.

Emily’s leadership and skills bring outstanding expertise to the La Veta Trails team, to our partners, and the region she calls home.