Ellie Peterson

Engagement Coordinator

Ellie grew up in a suburb of Chicago, where she developed a love for nature, exploring the riparian areas and the forest preserves of Cook County. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organismal Biology and Ecology from Colorado College in 2023.

After moving to North Carolina for a vegetation monitoring internship with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Ellie quickly fell in love with the region and transitioned to the nonprofit sector by joining EcoForesters. She believes that people have just as much power to help the environment as we do to harm it—and that through active stewardship, we can begin to heal our ecosystems and our communities. In her role at EcoForesters, she blends education and outreach with hands-on conservation work, helping to share the stories of the forests and the people working to protect them.

Outside of work, you can find her cooking, exploring the outdoors, tackling DIY projects, reading about botany and ecology, dancing to live music, and spending time with friends and family.