Coast Ranch Malibu
Peter Ireland
Founder, Executive Director
Peter is a great believer in the benefits of hiking for health and fitness. Peter holds multiple hiking leadership ratings and will play an active role in hiking activities. During the last 35 years he has played a leadership role in preserving natural areas in the Santa Monica Mountains for outdoor recreation.
In 1997 he led efforts to preserve Coast Ranch Malibu by creating the nonprofit Nature Trust of the Santa Monica Mountains to guide the ranch’s future and re-imagine its role in providing outdoor recreation. The ranch had a history of providing outdoor recreation beginning in the 1970’s as the Malibu Riding & Tennis Club and was deeply appreciated by all who visited. Coast Ranch Malibu now provides Southern California’s premier hiking for health and fitness destination.
Melissa Ireland MS, RD, CSSD, RYT
Co-founder, Director of Wellness
Melissa oversees wellness program operations at Coast Ranch Malibu. Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge from her career in dietetics and formal education in nutritional science and exercise physiology. She is a Master’s level, Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. Melissa is also a certified and registered yoga teacher. She brings professional expertise and passion for healthy, balanced, active living to her multi-faceted role.
Melissa is a graduate of Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. She received her Bachelor's degree in Nutritional Science and earned her Master of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. She completed her dietetic internship residency at the University of Minnesota in affiliation with The Emily Program. She has earned the premier food and nutrition expert credential of Registered Dietitian (R.D) and specialty designation as a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (C.S.S.D). In addition to her role at Coast Ranch Malibu, Melissa runs a private practice where she provides nutrition consulting and coaching services. Melissa is an accomplished endurance athlete and avid road and trail runner, having completed several marathons and ultra marathons. She ran the entire 68 mile back bone ultra marathon that traverses the area's famous Back Bone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains in 19 hours.