Peter Gernsheimer

Land Conservation Manager

Peter joined CATS and the Champlain Valley community in late summer 2025. With 15 years of experience in conservation, he advocates for ecological preservation and responsible land management. Earning his bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster, he honed his expertise as a program manager with the Student Conservation Association, linking young individuals to invaluable career development opportunities in the conservation sector.

  

Peter, originally from Pennsylvania, has worked on diverse conservation projects across the U.S., including salmon habitat recovery in Seattle, building segments of the Continental Divide Trail in New Mexico, and reintroducing the American chestnut near Philadelphia. He looks forward to continuing his conservation efforts as he and his partner, along with their tortoise, move to Westport.

  

When he’s not working, Peter enjoys the same landscapes he’s worked on, hiking, climbing, cycling, or foraging. He is excited to bring his passion for conservation to CATS and begin making connections in the Champlain Valley, both with trails and the people who use them.