Peter Gebhard | Coupeville, WA

Peter Gebhard is a nature enthusiast.

Photo courtesy of Oregon Wild

Why does wilderness matter to you?

Wilderness is the lifeblood of our collective American heritage. Without it we are simply stuck in a world that only revolves around things. Material possessions. When I go to the mountains I am free of all the cares and worries of life. Nature protects me from harsh realities in life. It comforts me and gives my life purpose. It is the one thing I know I can count on to keep me grounded and whole. I ❤️ the wild.

Why does wilderness matter to your community?

I live in Coupeville, WA and we are surrounded by the beauty of the islands and nature daily. I’m so blessed. It is the reason we live here.

Share a story about a special experience you have had in wilderness.

So many amazing experiences that I have had in wilderness areas. One in particular that sticks out would be the High Divide loop in Olympic National Park. Every time I hike this trail I see black bears. The views of Mount Olympus are incredible. Solitude in the high country is unmatched to anything on the planet.

What are your hopes for the future of wilderness?

We must protect our wild places at all costs. For without them we will surely lose ourselves as well. Wild animals, plants and landscapes all go together. We can’t live as a planet without wilderness.