Petersen tapped for TNC Keweenaw leadership

What's happening: The Nature Conservancy, a worldwide conservation organization dedicated to creating a sustainable future for both nature and humanity, has appointed Julia Petersen as the project manager for the Keweenaw Peninsula. Petersen's responsibilities include overseeing community involvement and project coordination for the Keweenaw Heartlands Project.

“I am thrilled to join The Nature Conservancy in Michigan and take the helm of such an important project for our community,” Petersen said. “The work TNC has done in the Keweenaw Peninsula over the last several decades is nothing short of amazing, and I look forward to continuing this positive momentum so the Peninsula benefits both people and nature for generations to come.”

Local ties: Petersen has lived in Atlantic Mine in the Keweenaw Peninsula for the last three years and is finishing her doctorate in environmental and energy policy at Michigan Technological University. She also has experience with the U.S. Army as a strategic planner and as director of conservation and education programs for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. She has bachelor's degrees in education and psychology from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Washington.

Petersen was hired by The Nature Conservancy of Michigan, which is the local affiliate of the worldwide organization.

What they're saying: “Julia Petersen has worn so many different hats throughout her career that she was a natural fit to take on the project manager role for a multi-faceted project like the Keweenaw Heartlands,” said Helen Taylor, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan. “Julia has the genuine ability to connect with everyone from government officials to outdoor lovers to local community members and all points in between. I have no doubt she’ll hit the ground running next month.”

What's next: Petersen's responsibilities include overseeing community involvement and project coordination for the Keweenaw Heartlands Project. The Nature Conservancy of Michigan will continue an inventory of the land, which takes note of various biological, cultural, historic, forest and carbon, and infrastructure assessments of the properties. The inventory will take the information and create numerous master plans based on the results.