Rita Peralta
Rita Peralta considers herself a conservationist and nature lover. Born in La Paz, Bolivia she was imprinted by the majestic snowcapped Andes, and finds she is most at peace near mountains. Her deep love of nature inspired her to make a switch from working in a microbiology lab to her current career path as a naturalist. Rita has been a resident of Northern Virginia since 1987 and currently works as a naturalist and manager at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington. She was previously the Natural Resource Manager at Riverbend Park, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA).
In her spare time, she volunteers as an instructor for the Virginia Master Naturalists, coordinates the FCPA Environmental Student Leadership Initiative, and travels near and far to enjoy nature.