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TREE FOUNDATION, a non-profit charitable organization

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About

TREE Foundation’s mission is to support tree research, education, and exploration. TREE was founded in 2000 to encourage donors who care about environmental sustainability to fund the design and construction of a canopy walkway in Florida subtropical forests. In the years since, TREE has inspired treetop exploration and research around the world, positively impacting forest conservation and children’s engagement with nature

Margaret “Meg” Lowman Ph.D.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Margaret “Meg” Lowman Ph.D., known affectionately throughout the world as “Canopy Meg,” is a global pioneer in forest canopy ecology. She is one of the world’s foremost “arbornauts” — someone who explores and studies the vast forest canopies that make up what Meg has termed the Earth’s “eighth continent.” A tireless educator, strong advocate for girls, women, and minorities in science, Meg has published numerous books, is a sustainability advisor, contributes to boards, and speaks widely and frequently to diverse groups, schools, and international symposiums and conferences.

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Vanessa Wassenar​​

PRESIDENT

Vanessa Wassenar, CEO of Creating Resilient Schools, aims to create resilient schools and non-profits that are responsive to today’s competitive marketplace. She brings more than thirty-five years of educational executive and administrative experience and trusteeship in colleges, universities, independent schools, and various non-profit enterprises. Her extensive expertise includes financial analysis, modeling and planning, administrative triage, strategic and campus master planning, re/accreditation and self-study, and governance.

Soon after graduating from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, Vanessa worked at the University of California-San Diego for nearly 20 years in various capacities. As Director of Research Administration for two divisions at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, she managed contracts and logistics for coastal research oceanographers worldwide. As founding Director of the Office of Sports Facilities and Programs, she was responsible for about $90MM of facilities construction and the “out of classroom” programming for 14,000 students in five colleges.

Educational institutions she has served as a consultant include Brooklyn Friends School, Oliver Scholars, Bentley School, The Archer School for Girls, St. Johnsbury Academy, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Penn State University – Abington, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, and many others around the U.S.

From 2001 through 2003, Vanessa was also the Director of Resource Management and Strategic Planning at Emma Willard School. Prior to that role, she was Chief of Staff to the President of Bennington College.

Board

Robert Beck

Robert Beck

BOARD MEMBER

Robert Beck MD, MBA, joined the TREE Foundation board in 2022. He is earnestly concerned about climate change and the impact of man on the global inventory of forests. Dr. Beck seeks to strategize and implement sustainable solutions to these issues. A biology major in college, Dr. Beck’s career includes leading newborn intensive care services for Fairfax Neonatal Associates in Virginia as President (1997-2005) and Board Member (2006-2022).
Amy Berquist

Amy C. Berquist

BOARD MEMBER

As Vice-President for Conservation, Education and Sustainability for Lindblad Expeditions, Amy oversees Responsible Exploration programming and joint initiatives with National Geographic. Since 1999, her passion for experiential outdoor learning and mission-driven work have led her to the TREE Foundation. She has experience working in many of the countries in which TREE has or will have significant impact as we expand our canopy walkway “necklace.” Amy has a BA in Anthropology and English from the College of William and Mary and a Graduate certificate in Documentary Studies from the Salt Institute of Documentary Studies.
Michael Brown

Michael Brown

LEGAL COUNSEL / EX OFFICIO

Michael Brown, Esq., is the co-founder of the TREE Foundation and has been actively associated with TREE Foundation since creating its Articles of Incorporation in March 1999. Over the years, he has served TREE in various capacities as research associate, legal counsel, and board member. Now retired from his full-time legal practice, he remains a staunch advocate for trees, environmental justice, and social justice.
Geraldine Carroll TREE Foundation Board Member

Geraldine "Bean" Carroll

BOARD MEMBER

Geraldine “Bean” Carroll is the Chief Operating Officer of a medical practice in Middleburg, VA and the manager of a rental property portfolio with locations across the east coast. She has worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for many years and is a passionate environmental conservationist. Bean has served on several boards that focus on plant conservation and horticultural education including the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Center for Plant Conservation and most recently the Friends of the State Arboretum with the University of Virginia at Blandy. She has been a member of the Garden Club of America for over 25 years. Her primary focus with the GCA has been conservation and in the past has chaired GCA’s Zone XI’s conservation committee. Bean holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University in International Studies and a Graduate Certificate from Northwestern University in Accounting.
MICHAEL DEXTER

Michael Dexter

BOARD MEMBER

Michael Dexter joined the board in 2019 and is a conservationist with a wealth of experience working on environmental policy at the international, national, and local levels. A former student of Meg Lowman’s, he can personally attest to the importance and impact that tree research, exploration, and education have on inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
elizabeth-moore

Elizabeth Moore

BOARD MEMBER

Elizabeth Moore is a Sarasota conservationist and philanthropist. From 2020 through 2023, she served as TREE’s board president. Moore is well-known in southwest Florida conservation and philanthropic circles as a woman fiercely devoted to not just championing but also personally funding initiatives that protect the planet and provide education about the environment, particularly for youth.
Dan Moriarty board member

Dan Moriarty

SECRETARY

Dan lives in Sarasota with his wife and dog, and he has called many places home. He was born and raised overseas in Africa and Latin America, worked internationally, and spends part of each year in Spain.

Dan’s professional background includes international development, global health supply chain, capacity building, leadership development, and organizational development.

Currently, Dan provides consulting services focused on information design, and participates actively in an inter-disciplinary collaborative focused on relational coordination and AI. He is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (El Salvador, Municipal Development) and is fluent in Spanish.

His undergraduate and graduate degrees include international relations, and organizational psychology and leadership, while he also studied horticulture, forestry, botany, and Spanish.

His love of Sarasota’s natural beauty inspired him to join Tree Foundation’s community building efforts, where he shares his experience in service of tree research, education, and exploration.

He finds inspiration through nature and people, seeking connection through each. In his free time, Dan enjoys gardening and exercising outdoors. He is an avid reader of non-fiction, cognitive science, and philosophy.

Michael R. Pender, Jr.

CAVANAUGH & COMPANY TREASURER

Michael R. Pender, Jr., is a Sarasota-based CPA, and has been an organizing director for several Gulf Coast banks. He has experience in all phases of public accounting, including auditing, tax, financial planning, business advisory services, as well as fraud and forensic accounting. In addition to his work and support for the TREE Foundation, he has spent much of the last 40 years, serving his community on the boards of local, state and national nonprofit organizations.
Laura Peters

Laura Peters

BOARD MEMBER

As a long-time supporter of TREE Foundation Laura Peters is excited to play a part in the organization as it grows and excels in its mission for tree research, education and exploration. Laura’s love and appreciation for the environment is reflected by her commitment to causes that preserve our natural world.

DC Randle

BOARD MEMBER

DC Randle is a career K-12 science educator, who has mentored and inspired many students of diversity. Randle teamed up with TREE president Lowman to co-host the Jason Project in the rain forests of Belize. They have since partnered on long-term research with citizen scientists in the Peruvian Amazon. Randle also taught incarcerated students and has served on a number of national education boards, including TREE.
Alemayehu Wassie

Alemayehu Wassie

BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Alemayehu Wassie Eshete is the CEO of ORDA (Organization for Restoration of Degraded Areas) in northern Ethiopia, and one of the country’s top forest conservation biologists. He and Dr. Lowman have partnered for over a decade to conserve Ethiopia’s last remaining forests, which are called church forests and surround the Orthodox churches.
Alan member of tree foundation

Alan Winston

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

Alan Winston is from Elmira , N.Y. and as a former teacher taught CanopyMeg in 9th grade. He is retiring this year from Morgan Stanley and looks forward to Co-Chairing the Tree Foundations new Advocacy Committee. Alan volunteers as a trustee on the Tanglewood Nature Center board of directors in Chemung County and as a trustee on the Corning Community College Regional Board of Directors.

Science Advisory Board

Meg Lowman

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TREE FOUNDATION

Pamela Montero, PhD is the Director of Education at the TREE Foundation. She is a conservation professional and interdisciplinary ecologist with over 17 years of experience advancing community-led initiatives in Latin America. Dr. Montero specializes in researching the relationships between conservation and tourism, social capital, protected area conservation strategies linked to sustainable development, striving for global sustainability goals, and community-based tourism. She holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida and brings deep expertise in strategic facilitation, technical writing, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL). Throughout her career, she has supported Indigenous and local communities, NGOs, and global networks to co-create meaningful, context-driven educational strategies. 

Pamela identifies her research interests to include relationships between conservation and tourism, collaboration, conservation strategies linked to sustainable development, and community-based tourism.

sylvia earle small

Sylvia Earle

PRESIDENT
MISSION BLUE

David Martin is the founder, CEO, and President of Brighter Technologies, a Florida-based firm specializing in website and technical services. For over 25 years, David and his team at Brighter Tech have been instrumental in supporting the TREE Foundation and its Executive Director, Meg Lowman. Their expertise spans a wide range of services, including website and database development and maintenance, tech support, and various other IT solutions. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is an avocational scientist, education consultant, and a passionate advocate for youth rights. He cherishes time outdoors, embarking on adventures and studying biodiversity with his children and their friends. Meg Lowman has been a significant mentor and friend to David and his children, particularly to his daughter, Sara, who shares Meg’s love for tree-climbing adventures and possesses a profound interest in the natural sciences. David and the Brighter Tech team are honored to support the TREE Foundation’s vital mission and technical needs.

PATRICIA CHAPPLE WRIGHT

Patricia Chapple Wright​

CONSERVATIONIST

Taylor O’Brien is a member of the Brighter Technologies team and serves as the Marketing Director, Social Media Manager, and Digital Content Producer for the TREE Foundation. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, she homeschools her 10-year-old son and spends much of their time outdoors, staying active on local trails and nurturing an appreciation for nature and the biodiversity found in plants, animals, and trees.
Peter Raven

Peter Raven​

PRESIDENT EMERITUS
MO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Taylor O’Brien is a member of the Brighter Technologies team and serves as the Marketing Director, Social Media Manager, and Digital Content Producer for the TREE Foundation. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, she homeschools her 10-year-old son and spends much of their time outdoors, staying active on local trails and nurturing an appreciation for nature and the biodiversity found in plants, animals, and trees.
Pat Raven

Pat Raven

ADVOCATE
WOMEN IN SCIENCE

Taylor O’Brien is a member of the Brighter Technologies team and serves as the Marketing Director, Social Media Manager, and Digital Content Producer for the TREE Foundation. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, she homeschools her 10-year-old son and spends much of their time outdoors, staying active on local trails and nurturing an appreciation for nature and the biodiversity found in plants, animals, and trees.
Alemayehu Wassie

Alemayehu Wassie Eshete​

CEO ORDA

Taylor O’Brien is a member of the Brighter Technologies team and serves as the Marketing Director, Social Media Manager, and Digital Content Producer for the TREE Foundation. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, she homeschools her 10-year-old son and spends much of their time outdoors, staying active on local trails and nurturing an appreciation for nature and the biodiversity found in plants, animals, and trees.
wade davis

Wade Davis​

AMAZON EXPLORER,
WRITER, PROFESSOR

Taylor O’Brien is a member of the Brighter Technologies team and serves as the Marketing Director, Social Media Manager, and Digital Content Producer for the TREE Foundation. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, she homeschools her 10-year-old son and spends much of their time outdoors, staying active on local trails and nurturing an appreciation for nature and the biodiversity found in plants, animals, and trees.
Harry Cockrell

Harry Cockrell​

CHARIMAN, THE HABITAT FOUNDATION & PACIFIC TIGER GROUP

Taylor O’Brien is a member of the Brighter Technologies team and serves as the Marketing Director, Social Media Manager, and Digital Content Producer for the TREE Foundation. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, she homeschools her 10-year-old son and spends much of their time outdoors, staying active on local trails and nurturing an appreciation for nature and the biodiversity found in plants, animals, and trees.

Michael Barth

FOUNDER AND
CEO OF VOIIJER

As Founder and CEO of Voiijer, Michael Barth is building the definitive operating system for human exploration—a social-first platform that empowers individuals and communities everywhere to explore, discover, and share their findings about the natural world. He is an accomplished entrepreneur and explorer with a distinctive record of leading innovation across education, technology, and the environment.

Through Voiijer, he is pioneering a new frontier where integrated XR, AI, and Web3 technologies are used to turn curiosity into discovery, and screen time into nature time. Under his leadership, Voiijer is on track to become the largest repository of user-generated environmental content and data, ultimately reconnecting people with the planet, advancing science through shared observation, and inspiring new generations of explorers. 

Michael’s work spans continents, combining far-flung scientific expeditions with global initiatives. Earlier in his career, he spearheaded the development of Bhutan’s first law school and launched GNH Partners, the country’s first impact fund. He also founded “upublic” at Columbia University to advance global education and technology initiatives, and helped design the U.S. Department of Education’s first national online learning portal for adult education. A Fellow of both the Royal Geographical Society and The Explorers Club, Michael also founded The Explorers Club Hong Kong Chapter.

We are thrilled that he is joining our panel of scientific advisors and our Executive Director, CanopyMeg Lowman, is the Chair of his Scientific Board, so the cross-pollination of science, adventure and purpose will be a mutual benefit.

Extended Team

Dr. Pamela Montero, TREE Foundation Director of Education

Dr. Pamela Montero

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Pamela Montero, PhD is the Director of Education at the TREE Foundation. She is a conservation professional and interdisciplinary ecologist with over 17 years of experience advancing community-led initiatives in Latin America. Dr. Montero specializes in researching the relationships between conservation and tourism, social capital, protected area conservation strategies linked to sustainable development, striving for global sustainability goals, and community-based tourism. She holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida and brings deep expertise in strategic facilitation, technical writing, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL). Throughout her career, she has supported Indigenous and local communities, NGOs, and global networks to co-create meaningful, context-driven educational strategies. 

Pamela identifies her research interests to include relationships between conservation and tourism, collaboration, conservation strategies linked to sustainable development, and community-based tourism.

David Martin CEO of Brighter Technologies

David Martin

WEBMASTER

David Martin is the founder, CEO, and President of Brighter Technologies, a Florida-based firm specializing in website and technical services. For over 25 years, David and his team at Brighter Tech have been instrumental in supporting the TREE Foundation and its Executive Director, Meg Lowman. Their expertise spans a wide range of services, including website and database development and maintenance, tech support, and various other IT solutions. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is an avocational scientist, education consultant, and a passionate advocate for youth rights. He cherishes time outdoors, embarking on adventures and studying biodiversity with his children and their friends. Meg Lowman has been a significant mentor and friend to David and his children, particularly to his daughter, Sara, who shares Meg’s love for tree-climbing adventures and possesses a profound interest in the natural sciences. David and the Brighter Tech team are honored to support the TREE Foundation’s vital mission and technical needs.

Taylor O'Brien Tree Foundation Social Media Director

Taylor O'Brien

SOCIAL MEDIA

Taylor O’Brien is a member of the Brighter Technologies team and serves as the Marketing Director, Social Media Manager, and Digital Content Producer for the TREE Foundation. Originally from Bradenton, Florida, she homeschools her 10-year-old son and spends much of their time outdoors, staying active on local trails and nurturing an appreciation for nature and the biodiversity found in plants, animals, and trees.

Research Associates

Adele Rossetti

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Adele Rossetti is an artist working in painting, drawing and photography who is deeply interested in the natural world and in the ecology and conservation of the world’s remaining wild places. She was Fine Arts faculty at the Pratt Institute for over a decade and continues to teach at the New York Botanical Garden in the certificate program of Botanical Art and Illustration. She is the illustrator of the signage and interpretation consoles of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Discovery Garden, as well as a published scientific illustrator. Her work has been awarded the American Society of Botanical Artist’s Excellence Award and the Royal Horticultural Society’s Grenfells Medal for Science. Her work is in several private and public collections in the U.S. and abroad, including the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation at Carnegie-Mellon University, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Library and the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Adele has been awarded two Fulbright U.S. Scholar grants to Brazil, in 2017 and 2025. The first was to conduct research and make images of the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state, and the second, to study the Araucaria Forests of the Southern Atlantic Forest in Santa Catarina state. In October 2025, she was also selected for the Fulbright Specialist roster. On Meg’s suggestion, the Antonelli Foundation invited her for an artist residency in April-May, 2026 at their Araca project in the Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Forest.

Samples of Adele’s work can be viewed on her website adelerossetti.com.

Anthony Ambrose

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Anthony Ambrose is a forest canopy physiological ecologist based in South Lake Tahoe, CA, where he serves as Executive Director of The Marmot Society, a non-profit forest research and conservation organization. He received his BS and MS degrees from Cal Poly Humboldt and his PhD from UC Berkeley. His research is focused on studying how climate change affects tree structure and function. He has been working in the canopy of the tallest and largest trees on the planet for more than 25 years, and is currently working to understand how fire affects giant sequoia tree water use and vulnerability to drought and beetle attack.

Bhaskar Krishnamurthy

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Driving global conservation action from the Washington, D.C. area, Bhaskar Krishnamurthy champions environmental diplomacy, youth engagement, and wildlife protection across continents. A Fulbright Specialist and Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund awardee, he has empowered young people in Asia and the Americas to participate in hands-on conservation, climate resilience projects, and community-based sustainability work. His influential storytelling—co-producing the award-winning documentary Elephants in the Coffee and co-authoring Balarama’s Story—has brought worldwide attention to elephant conservation, human–wildlife coexistence, and ethical stewardship. Featured in National Geographic, BBC, and UNESCO Journal, Bhaskar bridges scientific insight with cross-cultural dialogue to shape global conservation solutions. From supporting anti-poaching efforts to electrifying remote Himalayan villages, he connects governments, NGOs, and youth leaders to strengthen ecological resilience worldwide.

Bryson Voirin

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

David Martin is the founder, CEO, and President of Brighter Technologies, a Florida-based firm specializing in website and technical services. For over 25 years, David and his team at Brighter Tech have been instrumental in supporting the TREE Foundation and its Executive Director, Meg Lowman. Their expertise spans a wide range of services, including website and database development and maintenance, tech support, and various other IT solutions. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is an avocational scientist, education consultant, and a passionate advocate for youth rights. He cherishes time outdoors, embarking on adventures and studying biodiversity with his children and their friends. Meg Lowman has been a significant mentor and friend to David and his children, particularly to his daughter, Sara, who shares Meg’s love for tree-climbing adventures and possesses a profound interest in the natural sciences. David and the Brighter Tech team are honored to support the TREE Foundation’s vital mission and technical needs.

Charles Rattigan

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Charles F. Rattigan joined the Vermont Institute of Natural Science as Executive Director on May 1, 2014 and retired on April 30, 2024.  Under his guidance, VINS saw remarkable growth during the ten years of his leadership with more than 81,600 + visitors coming to the Nature Center in Quechee  in his final year, an increase of nearly 240 % since March, 2015.  An additional 20,000 adults and children are touched in community outreach programs, and VINS educators work with 40 schools, from pre-K through middle school presenting excellent science education.  

VINS has added a number of new exhibits including the most remarkable VINS Forest Canopy Walk; the Forest Exhibit: and the cutting-edge science exhibit, Birds are Dinosaurs.  VINS has embarked on a number of infrastructure improvements including the winterization of its Meeting and Exhibit Hall, the Neale Pavilion; the opening of the August Pavilion; an Outdoor Classroom; a 2,100 sq ft Songbird Exhibit and Aviary; the Adventure Playscape, and an extension of its ADA ACCESSIBLE MCKNIGHT TRAIL to a point that overlooks the marsh and the Ottauquechee River with a viewing platform with natural history interpretation at the trail’s end.  

Prior to joining VINS, he was Executive Vice President, Senior Advisor, and Co-Founder, Green Mountain Digital, and was responsible for the App Development for smart devices of the Audubon series of Field Guide Apps. The Audubon Guides apps have been downloaded over 1,000,000 times by consumers. 

Mr. Rattigan is an award-winning producer, director, and writer of film and video with an MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Imaging Arts.  He is an expert in the production of multi-media communication.  His productions have been distributed worldwide and appeared on PBS, ESPN, and the National Geographic Channel. His documentary productions for the National Park Service, the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation, and others have been seen by hundreds of thousands of viewers.  He has been nominated for an Emmy and has received three Telly awards for Outstanding Creative Use of Media.

He and his family have lived in Woodstock, Vermont since 1992.

A graduate of St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York, Mr. Rattigan has an
advanced degree (MFA) from the College of Imaging Arts, Rochester Institute of Technology.

Currently, he offers environmental development advice through his company Indigo, LLC. He serves on the Board of Directors of Woodstock, Vermont’s Public Access Television Station, (WCTV, Channel 1080), and was one of its founding Board Members.  He serves as Board president of the Upper Valley Adult Day Care, Compassionate Day Services for Adults 60+ — Promoting Health, Independence & Support for Families

Melanie Herrera

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

A native of Sarasota, Florida, Melanie is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is co-captain of the UNCG women’s soccer team and serves as UNCG’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee community engagement executive board member.

Natalie Schmitt

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Natalie is an ecologist, conservation geneticist, and documentary director/presenter, deeply passionate about protecting biodiversity using western and Indigenous science, public education, and community empowerment. She was recently selected as one of the Explorers Club 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about and is an ambassador for the Earth Foundation. Studying elusive, endangered species, like snow leopard and Antarctic whales, she has empowered grass-roots conservation, and enabled policy education and management improvement at various scales, including that of the International Whaling Commission. Natalie is developing a portable leading-edge technology to detect DNA from biological samples in real time, at low cost and easy-to-use and leads a skilled, synergistic team of geneticists, conservationists, communicators, business partners, and institutions. Her company, WildTechDNA aims to categorically revolutionize the way customs, law-enforcement, field monitoring practices, citizen science, and locally based conservation are conducted around the world.

Snousha Glaude

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

David Martin is the founder, CEO, and President of Brighter Technologies, a Florida-based firm specializing in website and technical services. For over 25 years, David and his team at Brighter Tech have been instrumental in supporting the TREE Foundation and its Executive Director, Meg Lowman. Their expertise spans a wide range of services, including website and database development and maintenance, tech support, and various other IT solutions. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is an avocational scientist, education consultant, and a passionate advocate for youth rights. He cherishes time outdoors, embarking on adventures and studying biodiversity with his children and their friends. Meg Lowman has been a significant mentor and friend to David and his children, particularly to his daughter, Sara, who shares Meg’s love for tree-climbing adventures and possesses a profound interest in the natural sciences. David and the Brighter Tech team are honored to support the TREE Foundation’s vital mission and technical needs.

Soubadra Devy

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

David Martin is the founder, CEO, and President of Brighter Technologies, a Florida-based firm specializing in website and technical services. For over 25 years, David and his team at Brighter Tech have been instrumental in supporting the TREE Foundation and its Executive Director, Meg Lowman. Their expertise spans a wide range of services, including website and database development and maintenance, tech support, and various other IT solutions. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is an avocational scientist, education consultant, and a passionate advocate for youth rights. He cherishes time outdoors, embarking on adventures and studying biodiversity with his children and their friends. Meg Lowman has been a significant mentor and friend to David and his children, particularly to his daughter, Sara, who shares Meg’s love for tree-climbing adventures and possesses a profound interest in the natural sciences. David and the Brighter Tech team are honored to support the TREE Foundation’s vital mission and technical needs.

Wendy Baxter

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Wendy Baxter is a canopy scientist who has had the privilege of conducting research in some of the most pristine old-growth giant sequoia and coast redwood forests in California over the past decade. Her current full time job is managing a network of weather stations for the University of California Natural Reserve System. Baxter recently co-founded the nonprofit research organization The Marmot Society, focusing on canopy research in California’s ancient forests. With her free time, Baxter makes short films in the hopes of educating, inspiring and engaging others to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of our diverse and interconnected planet.

Andi Cross

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

David Martin is the founder, CEO, and President of Brighter Technologies, a Florida-based firm specializing in website and technical services. For over 25 years, David and his team at Brighter Tech have been instrumental in supporting the TREE Foundation and its Executive Director, Meg Lowman. Their expertise spans a wide range of services, including website and database development and maintenance, tech support, and various other IT solutions. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is an avocational scientist, education consultant, and a passionate advocate for youth rights. He cherishes time outdoors, embarking on adventures and studying biodiversity with his children and their friends. Meg Lowman has been a significant mentor and friend to David and his children, particularly to his daughter, Sara, who shares Meg’s love for tree-climbing adventures and possesses a profound interest in the natural sciences. David and the Brighter Tech team are honored to support the TREE Foundation’s vital mission and technical needs.

Tim Kovar

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Tim Kovar is a Master Tree Climbing Instructor with 30 years of teaching experience. His love and respect for nature, and wanderlust spirit, led him to “take the vertical path less traveled”, luring him to remote jungles and forests in pursuit of his vision to help connect others to our natural world.

In 1993, Tim began his career at Tree Climbers International where he helped develop the standardized curriculum that is now taught world-wide. In 2005, he co-founded Tree Climbing Northwest with New Tribe in Southern Oregon. In 2010, he branched out and founded Tree Climbing Planet.

A true believer in sharing his knowledge, Tim consults with eco-tour operators, film crews, researchers, and budding entrepreneurs wishing to plant their own schools and experience.