Anna Petersen is Trout Unlimited Alaska’s new education coordinator. She will work across southcentral Alaska to educate kids in all the things fish need for healthy habitat. If you’re interested in connecting with Anna on a youth education opportunity, you can reach her here.
Without further ado, meet Anna:
What is your hometown/current town?
Anchorage, AK/Anchorage, Ak
How do your past professional pursuits tie into your new position?
I am currently working on my Masters in Outdoor and Environmental Education at Alaska Pacific University. Taking this position was the reason I went to school; I hope to use the tools I’ve honed and expand my knowledge on getting people outside and excited to protect our coldwater fish habitats.
Alaska is a magical place that can teach us so many things, and I am excited to use my skills to help others find the beauty in it as well.
Favorite day of fishing in Alaska?
My most memorable experience was my first-time fly fishing. We floated Willow Creek, and I caught my first fish on the fly, an Arctic Grayling. I’ve been hooked ever since!
What brought you to Alaska in the first place?
I was born and raised on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina and honored to continue to live, work and play here.
Most memorable meal you’ve had from Alaska wild foods?
I always love having fresh Sockeye and salad greens that I picked from my garden. Although one of my favorite meals this year was in Hawk Inlet with my family. We pulled our shrimp pots, used the ocean water to boil our bounty and ate the freshly caught shrimp with cocktail sauce right on the dock.
What are you most excited to learn about in your new role as Education Coordinator?
I am most excited to see how I can help people learn about fish habitats and how we can help protect what we have now so that future generations can enjoy fish, fishing and Alaska just as much as we do now.
Dream fishing trip?!
This is a hard one. I would love to go Steelhead fishing in Southeast but would also love to catch a Rainbow Trout in Bristol Bay.