Audrey Peterman is President and Co-founder of Earthwise Productions, Inc., an environmental consulting and publishing firm focused on connecting the public lands system and the American public. In 2014 Ms. Peterman and her husband Frank coalesced the experience gained in almost two decades of environmental work and created the Diverse Environmental Leaders National Speakers Bureau, a “one stop shop” that is poised to fully integrate the environmental sector. The Bureau includes more than 60 leaders of African, Asian, Hispanic and Native American ancestry who are experts in climate, energy, environmental justice and green-building issues. They are seafarers, mountain climbers, hikers, birders and activists who will make the environmental conversation more reflective of America’s diverse population.
Mrs. Peterman has influenced change on the local level by engaging members of diverse communities with their history in the national parks and particularly with the restoration of the Florida Everglades. On the national level, she has helped make change as a member of the boards of the National Parks Conservation Association, the Association of Partners for Public Lands, and the National Parks Promotion Council; as a citizen lobbyist and as a community expert informing Members of Congress.
Her passion for this work was sparked on a 12,000-mile road trip around the country with her husband Frank to “discover America.” Beholding the glorious expanses of nature in national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite made her resolve to share these inspiring treasures with members of her community who were clearly missing their enjoyment. Among thousands of visitors and a large workforce, the Petermans saw less than a handful of Americans of color.
Her books include “Legacy on the Land: A Black Couple Discovers Our National Inheritance and Tells Why Every American Should Care,” and the travel guide, “Our True Nature: Finding a Zest for Life in the National Park System!”
Mrs. Peterman’s work has been recognized with the 2013 Apex Distinguished Service Award from Black Meetings and Tourism magazine; an Orchid Award 2014 from the Miami Urban Environmental League; the Environmental Hero Award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2000; the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Outstanding Citizen Conservationist Award from the National Parks Conservation Association, 1997; and the George Barley Leadership Award from the forty-member Everglades Coalition, 1999.
Presentation Title: Plenary Inspiring Youthful Passion For Trails at 9 or 90
E-mail: Audrey@legacyontheland.com
