Peter Cowan Joins POST

POST Appoints Dr. Peter Cowan as Director of Conservation Science

Environmental Expert to Develop and Lead Conservation Science Strategy

(Palo Alto, Calif.)—Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and caring for open space in Silicon Valley, today announced the appointment of Dr. Peter Cowan as director of conservation science.

In this role, Dr. Cowan will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, partners and experts to inform a science based approach for POST’s land conservation programs which benefit all in the region.

“Peninsula Open Space Trust is a national leader in conservation and I’m delighted to join such a talented team protecting our vibrant ecosystem,” Dr. Cowan said. “Together, we will continue to integrate the latest conservation science into POST strategies and activities, ensuring that they take advantage of the best available data and that we can most effectively measure the success of our work.”

“Dr. Cowan’s deep expertise is vital to ensuring the continued success of POST programs,” said Walter T. Moore, president of Peninsula Open Space Trust. “His demonstrated ability in conservation management programs made him a stand-out candidate. We’re all thrilled to have him continue the work started by Dr. Nicole Heller in 2016 as our first head of conservation science.”

Dr. Cowan previously served as conservation analyst for Save the Redwoods League. In this role, he helped develop and deploy the League’s Vibrant Forest Plan conservation strategy. He also led the design of citizen science research and managed and developed GIS tools and resources.

Dr. Cowan’s previous roles included working for the California State Senate Environmental Quality Committee. He also served as a policy fellow with the California Council on Science and Technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, a Masters in Biological Sciences from Stanford University, and a BA in Biology from Kalamazoo College. He currently resides with his family in Redwood City.

POST protects open space, farms and parkland for communities in and around Silicon Valley. As a private nonprofit land trust, POST has been responsible for saving more than 75,500 acres over the last 40 years. POST works with private landowners and public agencies to connect people and nature for the benefit of all. Visit openspacetrust.org for more information.