Peter Schriemer

Peter Schriemer was bitten by the nature bug at an early age, and has been pursuing his passion for wildlife ever since he could crawl. With an incurable curiosity for wildlife, he grew up exploring and discovering the amazing creatures that lived right in his own backyard, as well as in the forests, fields, ponds, and Great Lakes habitats near where he lived. He received a degree in film and video studies from the University of Michigan in order to hone his skills as a filmmaker and wildlife storyteller. Attracted to productions that challenge people's minds and move people's hearts, Peter believes that the media should be used to empower, enlighten, and enrich people's lives. With his ability to put his passions into action, Peter has become a multi-award winning filmmaker, receiving more than ten prestigious industry awards, including a CINE Golden Eagle and 5 Tellys for his documentary and wildlife productions. Peter started his career as a media personality at a young age, creating, writing, and hosting "Beyond Your Doorstep," an award winning children's nature special that aired on PBS, when he was just seventeen years old. Based on this production, he also developed an interactive website (www.beyondyourdoorstep.com), filled with project ideas, video clips, activities, and resource suggestions to help young explorers safely go on safaris in their own backyards - and beyond. Peter's energy and enthusiasm as a wildlife educator/TV host/filmmaker was recently recognized in his latest role as the creator, writer, and host of "Critter Quest!" for the Smithsonian's new high-definition channel, Smithsonian Networks. "Critter Quest!" is a high energy, fast paced, activity based children's nature show that goes in search of amazing critters in different habitats across America. Being a hands-on naturalist, Peter enjoys working with wildlife whenever possible. He has been a part of the "Friends of Wildlife" program to rescue and rehabilitate baby mammals, he has studied diverse tropical wildlife in the rain forests, cloud forests, and coastlines of Costa Rica with multiple biologists, and has participated in the Turtle Research Project at the E. S. George Reserve in Michigan, studying Snapping Turtles, Painted Turtles, and Blanding's Turtles. Some of Peter's favorite creatures are frogs and beetles. A dedicated wildlife educator, Peter has an infectious enthusiasm for the natural world, with a passion for teaching children about the critters that live all around them. Peter believes the key to protecting our nation's wildlife, begins with understanding and respecting the creatures that live in our own backyards. He teaches nature classes and gives presentations at festivals, bookstores, schools, science camps, science centers, scout troops, and zoos. Born and raised in Michigan, Peter lives in his hometown of Ann Arbor, with his twenty-two year old pet African Clawed frog, and lots of amazing backyard creatures and Great Lakes wildlife.