About Us

Maine Timber Research and Environmental Education (Maine TREE), founded in 1989 by a group of dedicated timberland owners, forest products producers, tree farmers, and others interested in the Maine forest, is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization based in Augusta, Maine.

Our Mission is to educate and advocate for the sustainable use of the forest and the ecological, economic, and social health of Maine’s forest community.

We realize our mission through research and education programs for schools, government, media, and the general public. Our partnerships with forest community members support programs for forest owners, woods workers, and recreational users.

Our Vision is that the public values and supports Maine’s healthy forest ecosystems, forest professionals, scientific forest management, and sound public policies that sustain Maine’s forest-dependent people and communities.

Our Team

Logan Johnson
Executive Director

Logan is excited to work with people interested in helping others discover the forest as a sustainable natural resource that provides services communities depend on. Raised in rural Washington County, Maine, he didn’t find his passion for forests until he was a student at the University of Maine, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Forestry degree. He lives in Westbrook with his wife, Sarah, and their pup, Calla Lilly. Email: logan[at]mainetree.org

Cathy Jo Herlihy
Office Manager

CJ grew up in Skowhegan and is a Skowhegan High School graduate. She has worked in the administrative field for 30 years; this is her second stint working for the TREE Foundation. She worked for TREE for over six years; she ran the office from her home when her son was young. She previously worked for the Family Planning Association of Maine and the Maine State Nurses Association. She lives in Winslow with her husband. Email: cj[at]mainetree.org

Lena Ives,
Director of Education &
Maine Project Learning Tree Coordinator

Lena graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management and Wildlife Conservation. After spending a few years working on different wildlife-based research projects, contributing to management plans, and expanding her outdoor recreation experience, she transitioned to a career in environmental education. In her free time, Lena enjoys serving as a member of the Wilderness Rescue Team, recreating on trails, making things from scratch, and caring for her small farm. Email: lena[at]mainetree.org

Paulina Murray
Director of Education &
Maine Project Learning Tree Coordinator

Paulina holds a BS in environmental sciences with a concentration in conservation from Siena College. She recently graduated from the University of Vermont with her MS in natural resources, where her research focused on understanding the effects of disturbance on forest ecosystem functions. Before joining Maine TREE, Paulina was an Arthur V. Savage intern for Parks & Trails NY and also spent time as a non-voting member of the Green Mountain Club Board of Directors. Her time spent in these roles deepened her commitment to driving positive social and environmental change through non-profit initiatives and reinforced her beliefs in making science and data accessible to all as it fosters informed decision-making.

Outside of work, Paulina can be found wandering the woods, trying new foods, and finding novel and creative ways to entertain her energetic cat, Buko

. Email: paulina[at]mainetree.org

Hope Light
Communications Coordinator

Hope holds a BA in Food Systems, Policy, and Social Change from SUNY Empire State University and an MA in Social Justice and Community Organizing from Prescott College. She specializes in social impact communications, crafting moving narratives to inspire audiences to take action.

When she is not working, Hope can be found cooking, camping, or enjoying live music with her husband and their two children.

. Email: hope[at]mainetree.org

Mike St. Peter
Associate Director, Certified Logging Professional (contracted position)

Mike’s career in forest product industry safety and health education spans 44 years. He has developed and shared programming to improve occupational safety, environmental regulations, and compliance regulations in forestry as a Certified Logging Professionals (CLP) founder and director, as well as through his consulting company. Under Mike’s direction, the CLP program has proved to be one of the country’s most successful logger training and education programs. Originally from the St. John Valley in Northern Maine, Mike now resides in Jackman and enjoys all the recreational opportunities in the area.