Member Spotlight: Anna Peters
We've brought back the Member Spotlight series so we can all get to know each other better. Do you know a WLIA colleague that you think people should know? Let us know via e-mailing us at communications@wlia.org with their contact information. We may not get to everyone, but we'll try!
I am delighted to introduce Anna Peters, a GIS specialist at REL & Associates, Inc. Anna has accumulated extensive experience in GIS since graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Her expertise spans various areas, including land records management, UAV modeling, and bathymetry. As an enthusiastic outdoors person, Anna finds joy in appreciating the outdoors through her free time and in travel. Discover more of what inspires Anna and enjoy learning what a “Swizzle Stick Bird” is in her interview.
How did you come to your current profession or job?
Through classes early on at UWSP, I found that I loved GIS. I had majored in Hydrology which heavily relied on GIS so I picked up a minor and as many certifications as I could to jump start my career.
I took internships within a county land records department as well as another internship working with a private firm in their geospatial department. I also worked on Bathymetric mapping project as a GIS Technician for a season where I learned surveying techniques and cartographic techniques.
After graduation I worked for a short time at a regional planning commission where I learned about working with local governments and further strengthening some mapping techniques and cartographic skills. After that, the position at REL opened up and I’ve been here ever since.
The past four years at REL I have a multitude of responsibilities to provide GIS solutions to all of our departments as well as our clients. This ranges from GPS support and mobile data collection solutions for wetland delineations, asset management, and other ecological needs. Mapping of a wide range for all departments is a part of the daily tasks such as UAV 2D/3D modeling, utilities, existing site conditions, concept designs, and more.
What’s your most favorite part and least favorite part of your job?
I love the variety and impact of the projects I work on. My job allows me to assist our departments and clients in diverse ways. I enjoy using GIS to analyze data and generate solutions that make a tangible difference. Seeing how my work can influence decision-making and improve outcomes for clients and communities is incredibly rewarding. I also appreciate getting out in the field to do some field data collection with the drone or GPS.
One of the more challenging aspects is managing tight project deadlines while ensuring high-quality outputs. Sometimes there can be a lot of last-minute changes or urgent requests that add pressure. While it helps me stay organized and efficient, it can take away from the good parts of the job at times. It definitely keeps me on my toes!
What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?
Tomorrow is not guaranteed so think within the present with a purpose!
What do you like to do for fun? (Hobbies, volunteer work, etc)
Backpacking, hiking, kayaking, running, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting! In short, anything outside! I also enjoy my photography business and serving as an assistant coach for the Kaukauna High School Track and Field Team. ☺
What’s the newest outdoors activity you’ve gotten into and what do you like about it?
Mountain biking has been the latest endeavor. Though we used to go as kids, I haven’t purchased a bike until 2023 so it’s been fun to get back into. To be honest, I like it because it’s another adrenaline rush that also is great exercise without a lot of wear on my joints. It’s a great alternative to running as long as no crashes are involved!
What’s something most people wouldn’t guess about you?
I was home-schooled until 7th grade! I also am a bit of a bird fanatic.
Oh, that's very cool! Do you keep a record of the birds you've seen? If you have a favorite bird, which one is it, and why does it stand out to you?
I don’t keep a record of the birds I have seen, besides any photos that I take. As for my favorite? That’s a tough one. Surprisingly, I’d have to go with a bird that might surprise people because it’s bright colored or does a weird behavior. The White Throated Sparrow is probably the pick. Reason being is that I grew up going up north fishing on lakes with my grandparents where this bird’s call would echo across the lake. Grandpa would always call it the “Swizzle Stick Bird”, one of the many names he would make up by putting strange words that don’t belong together. Why he picked that? Who knows. Every time I hear it now, it calms me and reminds me of the great memories spent on northern Wisconsin lakes fishing with my grandparents. I actually have the bird’s call as my ringtone!
Where would you most like to travel to and why?
Right now, Washington state. I have absolutely fallen in love with many aspects of it and have been visiting every year since 2022 when I drove from Little Chute, Wisconsin to Mazama, Washington to pick up my husband from the end of his journey on the Pacific Crest Trail. We are even planning our next trip for 2025 there right now to the Olympic National Park area. We have been to numerous wilderness areas across the state. Every time I get into the backcountry to enjoy the solitude, wildlife, and craggy peaks I leave a small piece of my heart tucked back in the wilderness somewhere.
How do the wilderness areas in Washington compare to other places you've visited? What advice would you give someone planning to travel to Washington State for the first time?
The wilderness areas in Washington are a bit less traveled than some of the other places I have been. Though I haven’t been to a ton of new backpacking locations recently, Colorado and California trails always seem to be densely populated. Not that this is a bad thing. It is nice to have others around in the back country but sometimes it is nice to feel as if you are alone! Seeing glaciers and more snow on the peaks is always a possibility in Washington. As for advice, it depends on what a person would like to do out in the state! I guess I would say, just get out and explore. There is definitely something for everyone but if you stick to the hiking, backpacking, or any other outdoor activity, always remember to leave no trace!
